Argentine Stem Weevil

  • Scientific Name: Listronotus bonariensis

Argentine Stem Weevil

Scientific Name:

Listronotus bonariensis

Order:

Coleoptera

How To Identify Argentine Stem Weevil

The presence of Argentine Stem Weevil can be identified by their larvae or mature / adult form:

  • The immature/larval stage of the Argentine Stem Weevil is a legless, creamy-white, active larvae up to 4mm in length.

  • When mature the adult appears as a dark grey to black weevil with mottled grey body markings and a distinctive protruding snout, up to 3mm in length.

What is the biology and lifecycle of Argentine Stem Weevil?

Populations of Argentine Stem Weevil will have 2-3 generations per year, with the second and third generation often overlapping resulting in a large population at various life stages. Adult weevils emerge from overwintering sites between September and November. After mating the female weevil deposits several eggs under the leaf sheath of the host plant. Once the eggs hatch the larvae begin to feed inside the plant stem until they reach the second or third instar at which point the burrow out of the plant and drop to the ground. Once outside the plant the larva begins to feed at the base of the turf plant, ingesting plant material from the stems and crown. After the fifth instar is reached the larva pupates within the upper soil profile and the adult soon emerges. Adults then mate and lay the next generation of eggs, or over winter to resume the lifecycle the following season.

Damage Caused by Argentine Stem Weevil

Argentine Stem Weevil damage to turf typically occurs around November, and February when large numbers of later instar larvae are present. The larvae feed initially within the plant stem following hatching, and then drop from the stem to feed at the plant base and crown. The feeding habits of the larvae make it the most damaging stage of the pest’s lifecycle. 

Symptoms of turf damage from Argentine Stem Weevil initially occur as the plant begins to yellow when larvae are feeding within the stem. The injured turf plants then turn straw colour, exhibiting symptoms similar to drought stress or localised dry spot, particularly in golf greens.

Management Tips for Argentine Stem Weevil

Early preventative treatment is paramount in successful season long control of Argentine Stem Weevil. If the initial generation of Argentine Stem Weevil is allowed to develop, subsequent generations will emerge and life stages will overlap creating a large, diverse population that is difficult to control.

For chemical solutions and treatments for Argentine Stem Weevil, please see our recommended products below.

PRODUCT SOLUTIONS FOR Argentine Stem Weevil

Quali-Pro Twister Insecticide
Active: 320g/L Indoxacarb, 80g/L Novaluron

Quali-Pro Twister is a highly effective insecticide for robust knockdown and residual control of Argentine Stem Weevil, Billbug and African Black B...

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Acelepryn GR (Granule) Insecticide
Active: 2g/kg Chlorantraniliprole

Acelepryn GR insecticide provides unmatched, season-long grub and caterpillar control in a single application.

Pack: 4kg
10kg
QTY:
- +
Contact us to purchase this item:
Acelepryn Insecticide
Active: 200g/L Chlorantraniliprole

Acelepryn is an insecticide that provides safe and effective control of a wide range of turf-damaging insects while also minimising the impact on t...

Pack:
QTY:
- +
$140.80
Provaunt Insecticide
Active: 200g/kg Indoxacarb

Provaunt targets and destroys the lifecycle of Argentine Stem Weevils (ASW). It targets and destroys both adult and larvae (only APVMA registration...

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Spinner Insecticide
Active: 200g/kg Cyantraniliprole, 200g/kg...

Spinner turf insecticide is a highly systemic insecticide providing rapid control of insect larvae and including Stem Weevil.

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Tempo XTRA Insecticide
Active: 50g/L Imidacloprid, 25g/L Beta-cyfluthrin

Tempo XTRA is a unique dual mode of action insecticide designed to control tough pests in Turf and Ornamental situations.

Contact us to purchase this item:
Tetrino Turf Insecticide
Active: 42.8g/l Tetraniliprole

Tetrino Turf Insecticide controls insect pets in turf including on golf courses, sports fields, bowling greens, race tracks, recreational lawns and...

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Monarch Insecticide
Active: 100g/L Fipronil

Monarch Insecticide is formulated specifically for the control of Argentine Stem Weevil, Funnel Ant & Mole Crickets in Recreational, Domestic a...

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Instar Granular Insecticide
Active: 0.25 g/kg Fipronil

Instar Granular Insecticide is a non-repellent Fipronil based specially graded silica carrier granule for use in the control of Argentine stem...

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Compel Pro Insecticide
Active: 100g/L Bifenthrin

Compel Pro is a unique water-based formulation containing 100g/L of the active ingredient bifenthrin. Compel Pro is formulated for the co...

Pack:
QTY:
- +
$302.50
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