Natural Enemies Parasitism of D. abbreviatus larvae by other insects is lacking, probably because of the location of immatures in the soil. However, eggs are more or less exposed. A wasp, Tetrastichus haitiensis , parasitic on eggs of D. abbreviatus has been released in the U.S., but has not proven effective at reducing weevil populations in the field. Another parasite, Ceratogramma etiennei , also attacks weevil eggs, but its potential for reducing weevil populations in the field needs to be determined. There are several general predators that will attack D. abbreviatus .
Ants are predatory on weevil eggs and neonate larvae.
However, neonate larvae produce a chemical that is repellent to ants. A new species of nematode, Steinernema riobravis , offers potential control of D. abbreviatus larvae. This beneficial nematode applied to the soil enters weevil larvae releasing a plug of mutualistic bacteria which multiples in the larva s body cavity causing septicemia. The nematodes feed upon the decomposing host cadaver. Weevil larvae die within 24 to 48 hours following infection by nematodes, while nematodes continue to grow and mate.