Little Leaf Notcher Weevil and Citrus Leaf Miner

bugman

May 24th, 2008 at 12:00 am

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Gray Insect on a Citrus Leaf
I was examining the fruits of my bitter orange citrus tree in Miami, Florida when I found this gray insect on one of the leaves. I suspect it’s some type of beetle. Can you please identify the insect? Also, do you happen to know what those white and brown streaks on the leaf are and whether or not they were produced by the insect?
Rob

Hi Rob,
Your gray insect is a Little Leaf Notcher Weevil, Myllocerus undatus, and invasive species from Sri Lanka that feeds on at least 55 plant species in Florida including citrus. Read more on BugGuide and the Florida Department of Agriculture Pest Alert site. You have another problem with your citrus. Beneath the Little Leaf Notcher Weevil are what appear to be tunnels produced by the Citrus Leaf Miner, Phyllocnistis citrella, a tiny moth. Read more about this introduced pest on Featured Creatures.

Thank you for all the information! I thought that perhaps the weevil was responsible for the tunnels on the leaf; thanks for clarifying that a citrus leaf miner was the true culprit. My citrus tree has been left unattended for quite some time, so it has become home to various insects.
Rob

Citrus Root Weevil (September 5, 2009)
Blue-Green Citrus Root Weevil (April 8, 2008)
Little Leaf Notcher Weevil: Invasive species from Sri Lanka (February 23, 2008)
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar and Citrus Leaf Miner (September 12, 2007)
Little Leaf Notcher Weevil, we believe (August 25, 2009)