The grubs of beetles and moths can attack stems of woody plants, which may die. Attacked plants are usually already subject to ill thrift from disease attack, waterlogging, frost or nutrient deficiency. This weevil attacks Myrtaceous plants - species of waxflower and Verticordia are particularly vulnerable. In some plantations over half the plants have been killed. The problem is compounded if rootbound cuttings have been used as these seem to be more susceptible to weevil attack.
Weevils lay eggs near the base of the plant.
The grubs feed on the stem just below ground level and eventually ringbark the plant. Damage is not obvious until branches start dying, usually in times of water stress. In experiments, good control has been achieved with chlorpyrifos jetted around the base of infested plants. Jetting will also give good control of termites which attack protea plantations, particularly in summer when they are attracted to moisture. Leaf chewing or sap sucking insects are unlikely to kill plants.