Cylas puncticollis
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Author(s): Georg Goergen, EcoPort
Source: Infonet biovision
Cylas puncticollis (Boheman, 1883) - (African sweet potato weevil)
This weevil is a serious pest of sweet potatoes in sub-Saharan Africa, especially eastern Africa. In contrast to the more wide-spread Cylas formicarius, the adults are all black. C. puncticollis is often found together with the similar Cylas brunneus, but can be distinguished by its larger size and the black colour. Economic losses by C. brunneus and C. puncticollis together can exceed 50%.
The adults feed on the leaves and stems and lay eggs on the stems. The larvae tunnel into the stems and reach the tubers through cracks in the soil. The damage causes entry points for other diseases. Other Ipomoea species and other crops may be are also attacked. Populations expand under dry conditions.
