The size of the fruit, previous pepper weevil oviposition or feeding, and the availability of sufficient host plants are important factors in the selection of egg-laying sites. The plant species that sustain higher weevil populations are typically the more preferred. Developing fruit 1.3 to 5.0 centimeters in diameter are preferred over smaller or larger fruit for egg laying. Pepper weevil females probably lay most of their eggs during the day, and avoid fruit buds with eggs already present. Varietal differences in peppers may affect host preference somewhat, but are not sufficient to be utilized in control programs.
More research is needed to determine the effects of varietal differences.
Illustration by E. Vasquez. The biology of the pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii Cano. Pediculoides ventricosus Bracon mellitor Habrocytus piercei Zatropis incertus Catolaccus hunteri Natural controls freezing temperatures overheating of fallen fruit destruction of fallen fruit lack of host material Host plants peppers and nightshades Sampling for Pepper Weevils Weevils are likely to re-infest fields as they move to and from secondary host plants and cull sites. Little data regarding pepper weevil movement is available, but they may be able to move long distances. Most field observations suggest that pepper weevils disperse slowly through pepper fields early in the season, which can result in localized clumps of weevils and their damage.