Alfalfa weevil larval populations are developing into later instars (Fig. 1). Second instar development is nearing completion and this week there larvae should be in the third instar stage. This week larvae are mostly second (26%, 52% last week) and third instars (52%, 22% last week; Fig. 1). Model output indicates that fourth instar larvae are beginning to occur in southern SK and isolated areas in southern AB and MB.
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| Figure 1. Predicted average instar stage of alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) populations across
the Canadian prairies as of June 17, 2019.
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The larval stage of this weevil feeds on alfalfa leaves in a manner that characterizes the pest as a “skeletonizer”. The green larva featuring a dorsal, white line down the length of its body has a dark brown head capsule and will grow to 9mm long.
Alfalfa growers are encouraged to check the Alfalfa Weevil Fact Sheet prepared by Dr. Julie Soroka (AAFC-Saskatoon). Additional information can be accessed by reviewing the Alfalfa Weevil Page extracted from the "Field crop and forage pests and their natural enemies in western Canada - Identification and management field guide" (Philip et al. 2015). The guide is available in both a free English-enhanced or French-enhanced version.