PEST
 
   NAME
     Cypress Bark Weevil
     Aesiotes leucurus
 
   ORDER
     Coleoptera
 
   FAMILY
     Circulionidae

Description of the Pest
The adult is up to 200mm long, greyish brown in colour, with white leg joints and white-tipped wing-covers, and two pairs of blunt spines on the back. Adults and larvae have chewing mouth-parts.

Appearance of the Pest
This insect has a Holometabolous life cycle, ie. When metamorphosis is observed during the pupal stage.
Larvae feed under the bark of susceptible plants. Discoloured foliage may indicate the presence of larvae, although damage may not be apparent until die-back occurs, or the branch falls. Larvae pupate in a chamber hollowed out in the sap-wood and lined with wood shavings.

Period of Activity
Larvae are active through spring and summer; they may be seen throughout the year in warm climates.

Susceptible Plants
Many plants are attacked including Cypress pines and occasionally Pinus and Chamaecyparis species are attacked during particularly during drought periods. 

Damage Caused
Loss of foliage colour. Larvae feed in the phloem-cambium region, beneath the bark, and may girdle the branch, causing ring-barking. Adults chew bark and may damage small branches.

Control
Remove damaged bark and timber. Improve the culture of the plant by maintaining appropriate feeding and watering, and removing or repairing damaged limbs.