107 



PALM WEEVIL (Rhynchophorus palmarnm,Ij.). Coleoptera. 



This is one of the largest of the weevils, being about 

 1J inches in length, and broad in proportion (Fig. 123). 

 Its larva is well known in some parts of the West Indies 

 as the gru-gru worm. The gru-gru worm occurs as a 

 borer in several different species of palm trees, and in some 

 places is known as a pest in sugar-cane. 



Fig. 123. Palm Weevil. 

 Enlarged 1 times natural size. (Original.} 



The adult female weevil deposits eggs within the tissue 

 of the food plant. By means of the strong mandibles situated 

 at the tip of the long snout, a deep incision is made in which 

 the eggs are placed. The larva spends its entire existence 

 as a borer, and when full-grown, changes to a pupa 



Fig. 124. Cocoon of Palm Weevil. 

 Slightly reduced. (Original.} 



