Species of root weevil grubs cannot always be distinguished from one another in the field. All are legless, C-shaped, and white with brown heads. Adult feeding makes notches on the edge of leaves. The larva feeds on roots and may consume most of the tender roots, causing the plant to die. The diagnosis of dead, wilting, or declining plants should include examination of the roots.
Early detection is possible through recognition of adult feeding symptoms.
Adults feed for 2 - 3 weeks before laying eggs. During midsummer, the weevil alternately feeds and lays eggs for a month or more. Larva feed from midsummer, when the eggs hatch, into the fall, and again in the spring. Feeder roots and bark on larger roots are consumed by the larger larvae in the spring. Root feeding injury may not cause noticeable symptoms in the nursery, but infested plants may die after they have been transplanted.