The pepper weevil is found in the tropical areas of Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Infestations are transported from infested areas on transplants. The pepper weevil is not reported to successfully pass the winter in the Carolinas. Pepper weevils can complete their life cycle on black nightshade, eggplant and on bell, pimento, banana and chili peppers. Adult weevils, but not their offspring, can survive on other host plants including tomato and horsenettle.
Weevils feed externally on foliage, blossom buds and tender pods.
Larvae, or grubs, which feed within buds and pods, account for more damage. Infested buds and blossoms often fall from plants. Larvae usually feed in the seed core of peppers but occasionally tunnel in the pod walls. Infested peppers contain black frass. Infestations usually pass unnoticed until stems of young peppers yellow, wither and drop their fruit.