Did you know that exotic giant palm weevils are currently a potential Florida threat?
The two exotic species of concern are the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and the South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum). They can be very difficult to differentiate from our native species-the palmetto weevil (Rhynchophorus cruentatus).
Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis from the Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center has a UF/IFAS Featured Creatures publication on our native palmetto weevil
The Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) has an excellent pest alert describing the threat to Florida.
If you need your Giant Palm Weevils identified bring them to the Pinellas County Extension Lawn and Garden Help Desk, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. You can also contact our UF Insect ID lab, headed by Dr. Lyle Buss. Dr. Lyle Buss also screens samples digitally through our UF Distance Diagnostics system(DDIS)
Picture is from nature-of-oz.com