Upper Midwest Stem Insect Survey

Stem borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Physalis

Record Details

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Record no.:0383
Feeding guild:Stem borer
Taxonomy:Coleoptera: Curculionidae: cf. Trichobaris sp.
Stages observed:trace, adult
Distribution observed:IA
Hosts in Physalis:undetermined P. sp. (ground cherry)

In late October 2022, I found a live adult weevil in a small chamber at the end of a tunnel in the host stem. The tunnel had brownish walls (contrasting with the greenish color of undamaged pith) and was packed with dry, crumbly particles of frass that were similar in color to the undamaged pith. I haven't been able to conclusively identify the host to species, but I believe it may be P. longifolia.

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Page created: July 26, 2026. Last update: July 26, 2026