Alfalfa Weevil

Alfalfa Weevil 

(Phytonomus variabilis), a beetle of the family Curculionidae, injurious to alfalfa. The insect measures 4.5–6.5 mm and has a grayish brown body. The larvae, which reach a length of 9 mm, are green; their sides and back are covered with bristles. They pupate on plants. Alfalfa weevils are distributed in central and southern Europe, Asia (including southern regions), North America, and North Africa. The larvae cause most of the damage by eating alfalfa leaves and flowers, thereby reducing yields of hay and seeds.

Countermeasures include isolating new alfalfa plantings from old ones, disking and harrowing of soil in early spring, and spraying the alfalfa with insecticides during aftergrowth and the formation of buds.