An Unexpected Vistor: The Giant Palm Weevil

Occasionally our mist-nets capture unintended visitors. Over the past week we have caught two impressive Giant Palm Weevils (Rhynchophorus cruentatus), which thankfully stayed put long enough for a quick photograph.

These native weevils are restricted to the southeastern United States and are among the largest weevils in the world. Their native host is the Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto), which is abundant at our field site. As you can see in these two individuals, Giant Palm Weevils come in a variety of black and red color patterns. 

The similar Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), native to the Old World, is rapidly colonizing the globe and is considered a serious pest to a variety of palm species. Likely traveling with imported palms, this species has recently arrived in the Caribbean and seems poised for an invasion of the Americas. 

Larvae of the genus Rhynchophorus are considered a delicacy in Asia. They are said to taste creamy when raw, and like bacon when cooked.