Scout now: Warm spring brings alfalfa weevils out early

Janelle Atyeo
May 2, 2024
May 2, 2024

Alfalfa weevils (1).jpg — The adult alfalfa weevil is known to leave a field once temperatures reach 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, then return in the fall to mate and lay eggs again.
Photo courtesy of K-State Department of Entomology

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Warm spring weather has brought out the hunger in a tiny alfalfa pest.

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Alfalfa weevils (3) - worked.jpg — Lily Ziehmer shows an alfalfa weevil larvae found when scouting a field in Nebraska this spring. Warm weather prompted an early hatch this spring.
Photo courtesy of Lily Ziehmer, FMC

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Alfalfa weevils (5) - worked.jpg — Alfalfa weevil larvae are around 8 millimeters long with a black head, wrinkled green body and white stripe running lengthwise along the top, according to Nebraska Extension educator Samantha Daniel.
Photo courtesy of Lily Ziehmer, FMC

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Janelle Atyeo is a small town South Dakota girl enjoying her work as regional editor of the Midwest Messenger and Tri-State Neighbor while raising kids and no-till vegetables in central Sioux Falls. Reach her at janelle.atyeo@lee.net.