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Sunflower headclipping weevil

 
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Location: Zone 6b
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I recently get to know this pest that cut off many of my sunflowers. A search in permie forum came back empty so maybe it's not common. Yet I put some photos here in case someone has a similar problem in the future.

More to read
https://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/sunflowers/sunflower-headclipping-weevil.html
P7195748.JPG
Lost 8 heads on a single sunflower
Lost 8 heads on a single sunflower
P7195777.JPG
Close up of the cut
Close up of the cut
P7195743.JPG
Weevil hiding underneath petals
Weevil hiding underneath petals
20210719_235835.jpg
Small bug big damage
Small bug big damage
 
Posts: 8898
Location: Ozarks zone 7 alluvial, clay/loam with few rocks 50" yearly rain
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Yes, we have this one!
The earlier I plant the more avoidable.
I like sowing my sunflower seeds way before first frost and notice that there are many volunteers that must have wintered over.

They are just now doing their damage but only to a few flowers  
This year they are nipping a few of the mexican sunflowers also.

Good link and photos!
 
May Lotito
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My volunteer black oil seed sunflowers mature early and avoided these. They also attack others in the sunflower family, including sunchock, severing the tops. Since adults bugs lay eggs in the dropped flower heads, I make sure to get rid of the flowers on the ground as well.
 
May Lotito
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Location: Zone 6b
1126
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Ahh, these buggers are back again, attacking everything including sunchokes, coneflower, black eyed Susan besides regular sunflowers. I do have lots of predatory insects and spiders but they won't bother with the tiny weevils. Plants with thicker stalks are more resistant though. Here I got one in action.
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[Thumbnail for P7187008-(2).JPG]
 
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