How do granary weevils reproduce their lifecycle?

Granary weevils have a unique reproductive strategy that aligns closely with their biology and habitat preferences. They reproduce inside the kernels of grain, which serves as both a food source and a protective environment for their developing larvae.

The female granary weevil lays eggs inside the individual grains. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the starchy interior of the grain kernel. This mode of reproduction is highly effective, as it provides the larvae with a direct source of nutrition while also sheltering them from many external threats. This preference for grains, particularly stored cereals, not only ensures their survival but also allows their population to thrive in agricultural settings where grains are stored.

Understanding this reproductive cycle is critical in pest management, as controlling granary weevils involves addressing their lifecycle directly at the grain storage facilities where they are most likely to infest.