Plantain Gall Weevil vs Barbados Cane Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plantain Gall Weevil Barbados Cane Weevil
Scientific Name Mecinus pyraster Metamasius hemipterus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Curculionidae
Size 3-4 mm 12-20 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Omnivores
Regions Europe Barbados, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.

Barbados Cane Weevil

A large weevil with variable striped patterns, originally from the Caribbean. It is a significant pest of sugarcane and palms.

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Did You Know?

It was accidentally spread worldwide through the tropical plant trade and is now a major palm pest in Florida.