University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Insect Damage

Northern Pine Weevil
Pissodes approximatus

Northern pine weevil adult feeding damage on pine. P. Nixon
Northern pine weevil adult feeding damage on pine. P. Nixon
 
Frequency
3 (1 = rare 5 = annual)
 
Severity
4 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)
 
Hosts
The insects feed on pine and spruce as well as many other conifers.

 
Plants Affected
 
Symptoms
This insect seldom bothers landscapes since there is very little breeding material left around. The adult chews small holes in the bark of small twigs and branches. Bark may fall away in the chewed areas. On large trees the chewing is usually near the end of branches. Needles and shoots beyond the chewed area often die, leaving reddish dead tips, which is considered unsightly

 
Life Cycle
The adults feed at night and hide in the leaf litter during daylight. They over-winter as adults and emerge from late April to June depending on location. Adults may survive more than one "season" (fall through the following fall). It is not uncommon that they survive two "seasons. Adults lay their eggs under the bark of fresh cut stumps of pine trees. The larvae feed under the bark of the above ground stump portion and then pupate there, emerging in the fall.

 
Management
Grind out or otherwise remove the stumps of cut down conifers. If necessary use a recommended insecticide.

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic