What is the red weevil?

The red weevil is a large beetle, which can reach up to five centimeters in length. Its characteristic color is reddish, hence its common name. Adult females are responsible for the infestation, as they deposit their eggs in the tissues of the palm trees. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the internal tissues of the plant, especially the meristematic tissue, which is vital for the growth of the palm tree.

The first record of the red weevil in Spain dates back to the early 1990s, when the first cases were detected in the province of Alicante. However, it is believed that this pest may have entered the country several years earlier, through the trade in imported palm trees. Palm trees infested with red weevil larvae become a source of spread of the pest when they are moved from one place to another.



The red weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) has affected several species of palm trees in Spain. Among the most vulnerable are the Canary Islands Palm (Phoenix canariensis), the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), the Mexican Palm (Washingtonia robusta) and the Reclining Palm (Phoenix reclinata). These species, widely used for ornamental purposes or in urban landscaping, have suffered serious damage due to the infestation of the red weevil.

The symptoms of a palm tree infected by the red weevil are varied and may take time to appear. At first, the signs may be subtle and difficult to detect. Some of the more common symptoms include:

1. Wilting of leaves: The youngest leaves of the palm tree begin to wither and take on a yellowish or brown color.

2. Leaf drop: As the infestation progresses, infected leaves dry out and fall prematurely.

3. Holes in the trunk: The red palm weevil pierces the trunk of the palm tree to deposit its eggs, leaving visible holes.

4. Presence of exudate or resin: In some cases, the presence of a dark, viscous substance, known as exudate or resin, can be observed at the base of the palm tree.

5. General weakening of the palm tree: Over time, the infected palm tree becomes weaker, which can make it more susceptible to other diseases and eventually lead to its death.

It is important to note that symptoms can vary depending on the degree of infestation and the general health of the palm tree. Early detection and proper management are essential to control the pest and minimize damage.

How to act before a red weevil attack?