Billbug (La Plata Weevil)

When immature, Billbug (Spenophorus brunnipennis) is a legless, creamy-white ‘C’ shaped larvae with an orange head capsule and a body up to 10 mm long. When mature the larvae metamorphoses dark-brown to black weevil, with a distinctive ‘bill’ like snout and elbowed antennae.

Young adults often have dark brown striping on the wing casings and bodies up to 10 mm long. Adult billbugs deposit their eggs within the plant stem, where the larvae develop and feed on the plant.

It is at this stage of development that the most severe damage is inflicted to turf grass. As the larvae continue to develop, they exit the plant and begin to feed on the stem and roots.

At Lawn Addicts, we can supply top-quality insecticides and professional lawn care products online, based on turf insect identification. Message us for further advice about other products.