D3467: Wandering weevils: Using harmonic radar to describe movement of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in and near citrus orchards

Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Diaprepes root weevil (DRW), is a non-native pest of citrus in Florida. It was introduced into Florida in the 1960s and causes about $70 million in damage annually in Florida. Leaves are damaged in the adult stage and in the roots in the larval stage. This feeding directly impacts plant health as larvae create belowground feeding wounds through which the root pathogen, Phytophthera sp., can enter. While DRW damage and seasonal population cycles are well documented, little is known about their wider habitat use. This information is essential to optimize management strategies. We used harmonic radar (HR) to track adult DRW as they moved through the landscape. Adult DRWs were tagged and released under natural conditions into citrus trees near the research station in Lake Alfred, Florida; after 24 hours of adjustment, between the tag and the individual's body, individuals were placed on marked citrus trees at eye level. At 24-hour intervals, we located the adults. Adults moved within and between trees and could be found several days after release.