About Rice Water Weevil
A small, grey-brown weevil that feeds on rice roots as a larva and on rice leaves as an adult. Adults create distinctive narrow feeding scars along the surface of rice leaves parallel to the leaf veins.
Did You Know?
Larvae feed underwater on rice roots, surviving by obtaining oxygen from the rice plant's aerenchyma tissue through specialized spiracles.
How to Identify Rice Water Weevil
Rice Water Weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Curculionidae. Adults typically measure 2.5-3.5 mm.
Rice Water Weevil Habitat
Rice Water Weevil is found in wetlands habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Sri Lanka; invasive pest spreading across Asian rice-growing regions). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Rice Water Weevil Diet and Feeding
Rice Water Weevil is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Rice Water Weevil Found?
Rice Water Weevil can be found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka; invasive pest spreading across Asian rice-growing regions), where it inhabits wetlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Rice Water Weevil can be found
Is Rice Water Weevil Dangerous?
Rice Water Weevil is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Rice Water Weevil Role in Nature
Rice Water Weevil is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Rice Water Weevil
What does Rice Water Weevil look like?
The Rice Water Weevil typically measures 2.5-3.5 mm.
Where is Rice Water Weevil found?
The Rice Water Weevil is found in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka; invasive pest spreading across Asian rice-growing regions) and typically inhabits wetlands environments.
What does Rice Water Weevil eat?
The Rice Water Weevil feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Rice Water Weevil dangerous to humans?
The Rice Water Weevil is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Rice Water Weevil?
Larvae feed underwater on rice roots, surviving by obtaining oxygen from the rice plant's aerenchyma tissue through specialized spiracles.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Rice Water Weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rice-water-weevil
MLA:
"Rice Water Weevil." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/rice-water-weevil.