Plum Curculio and Look-Alike Beetles
Plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar) is easily confused with other beetles that are captured in pyramid traps. To help you tell the difference between plum curculio and the plum curculio look-alikes here are three easy guidelines for properly identifying plum curculio.
General size: Although plum curculio range in size (with males smaller than females), a large plum curculio on the eraser of a standard pencil (1/4 inch circle) will fill up most of the area. Anything much larger or much smaller than this is probably not a plum curculio. Anything around this size or a bit smaller may be a plum curculio.
Shape of the back (side view): Looking at plum curculio from the side, plum curculio appear plump (not flat) and bumpy. Plum curculio look-alikes are either flat, smooth, or they have only one or two distinct bumps on their back.
Color pattern on back (top view): Plum curculio have black coloration in the center of their back. Toward the back, there is a brown/dark orange stripe which is interrupted by a white triangle. This coloration easily sets it apart from look-alikes, however it may take close inspection until you are familiar with these characteristics. It may be a good idea to carry around a hand lens or magnifying glass to take a closer look.
Top View of a Plum Curculio
Side View of a Plum Curculio
Other Weevils Commonly Found in PC Traps
Photos and Identification by: Ben Nessia
Text by: Andrea Coombs