Pear bud weevil, these approximately 4.5 mm large weevils live on pear trees and can cause great damage to the crop.
Pear bud weevil (Anthonomus piri). These weevils, about 4.5 mm in size, live on pear trees. In autumn, pear bud weevils lay their eggs in flower buds: usually one egg per bud. In mid-fall, the egg hatches and larva grows inside the flower bud. The larva overwinters in the bud and in early spring the adult larva feeds on the contents of the bud and pupates in the flower bud after a few weeks to become a weevil. The weevil eats its way out of the now empty bud and feeds outside the flower bud on leaf buds, young shoots and petioles. The weevil hides in bark crevices of pear trees during the summer. In early autumn, pear bud weevils become active again: after mating, eggs are laid.
The pear bud weevil is more harmful than the apple blossom weevil. The latter affects only the flower buds; the pear bud weevil destroys leaf buds and young shoots in addition to the flower buds. As a result, entire branches can become bare.
Where to find
Control
Difficult to control; as soon as small holes in the petals become visible, check for weevils and remove them.
Prevention
Provide a bird-friendly environment: birds eat insects including the pear bud weevil.
