The Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) is an invasive pest originally from the Caribbean that has become one of the most economically damaging insects in Florida's citrus industry and is a regulated pest of significant concern in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Agriculture actively monitors for and responds to Diaprepes infestations to prevent establishment. Adults are large, striking weevils (1/2–3/4 inch) with a colorful pattern of orange, black, and white scales on the wing covers. They feed on the foliage of a wide range of host plants — over 270 species have been recorded, including citrus, avocado, sugarcane, ornamental trees, and many landscape plants. Females lay eggs between leaves glued together, and larvae drop to the soil where they bore into roots. Larvae are large, C-shaped, cream-colored grubs that feed on feeder roots and bore into major roots and root crowns, causing severe root damage. The combination of root damage and the introduction of soil-borne pathogens (Phytophthora) through feeding wounds creates a devastating synergy that kills trees. In Arizona, Diaprepes root weevil has been detected in nursery stock and landscape plantings, triggering regulatory responses. Any suspected sighting should be reported immediately.
👁Warning Signs
Large colorful weevils (orange, black, white) on citrus or ornamental foliage. Notched leaf margins from adult feeding. Wilting or decline of citrus, avocado, or ornamental trees. Large C-shaped white grubs in soil near roots. Report any suspected sightings to the Arizona Department of Agriculture immediately.
⚠Health & Property Risks
Severe tree mortality in citrus and ornamental plantings. Regulated invasive pest — infestations trigger mandatory eradication responses. Potential for catastrophic damage to Arizona's citrus industry if established. Synergistic damage with Phytophthora root rot.
Prevention Tips
Inspect all nursery stock from Florida or other infested areas before planting. Report any suspected sightings immediately. Do not move soil, plants, or plant material from infested areas.
🛡Professional Treatment
Regulated pest — contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture immediately if suspected. Do not attempt self-treatment. Official eradication protocols involve soil insecticides, foliar treatments, and removal of infested plant material.
Frequently Asked Questions — Diaprepes Root Weevil
The Diaprepes Root Weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) is adults colorful — orange, black, and white scale pattern; larvae cream-white c-shaped grubs and typically measures Adults 1/2–3/4 inch; larvae up to 1 inch. The Diaprepes root weevil (Diaprepes abbreviatus) is an invasive pest originally from the Caribbean that has become one of the most economically damaging insects in Florida's citrus industry and is a.
Yes — the Diaprepes Root Weevil is considered a high-risk pest. Severe tree mortality in citrus and ornamental plantings. Regulated invasive pest — infestations trigger mandatory eradication responses. Potential for catastrophic damage to Arizona's citrus industry if established. Synergistic damage with Phytophthora root rot.
In Arizona, diaprepes root weevils are most often encountered in the following situations: Large colorful weevils (orange, black, white) on citrus or ornamental foliage. Notched leaf margins from adult feeding. Wilting or decline of citrus, avocado, or ornamental trees. Large C-shaped white grubs in soil near roots. Report any suspected sightings to the Arizona Department of Agriculture immediately.
The Diaprepes Root Weevil is most active during: Year-round in warm climates; most active spring through fall. Arizona's warm desert climate can extend activity periods compared to other states, so year-round vigilance is recommended in the Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.
Inspect all nursery stock from Florida or other infested areas before planting. Report any suspected sightings immediately. Do not move soil, plants, or plant material from infested areas.
Regulated pest — contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture immediately if suspected. Do not attempt self-treatment. Official eradication protocols involve soil insecticides, foliar treatments, and removal of infested plant material.
Left unchecked, Diaprepes Root Weevil infestations can cause significant structural or food-storage damage over time. Severe tree mortality in citrus and ornamental plantings. Regulated invasive pest — infestations trigger mandatory eradication responses. Potential for catastrophic damage to Arizona's citrus industry if established. Synergistic damage with Phytophthora root rot. Early detection and professional treatment are the most cost-effective approach — contact Pest Control Bros for an inspection at the first sign of activity.
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