- Source: Myllocerus viridanus
Myllocerus viridanus, often known as sweet potato beetle, pod borer or ash weevil, is a species of weevil native to India and Sri Lanka.
Description
This species has a body length is about 3 to 4.5 mm. Body black, with dense uniform light green scales. Sometimes color varying to pale greenish white with chalky-white efflorescence. Head with yellow and with metallic green scales at the apex of the rostrum. Head narrowed from back to front. Eyes dorsal. Forehead with a rounded impression. Rostrum evidently longer than the head. Mandibles reddish brown. Antennae black or piceous. Prothorax subconical. Elytral striae are very narrow and covered with fine longitudinal punctures. Legs black, with green scales.
Biology
Adult weevils have been observed in numerous plants as they are known to defoliate the tender leaves and shoots extensively. Grubs feed on roots resulting in wilting of plants. Hence considered as serious polyphagous pest of economic importance.
Adults can be destroyed by using Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus.
