Explanation of Names
cruent - Latin for bleeding, bloody
Numbers
A second sp., Rhynchophorus palmarum, is in California.
Size
19 - 30 mm, largest weevil north of Mexico.
Range
"Coastal South Carolina south through the Florida Keys, and west into coastal Texas". (UF)
Only two specimens (from Galveston & San Antonio) in the Texas A&M University collection (Ed Riley, pers. comm., 2008), but numerous records in southmost Texas.
Season
Can be found throughout the year in Florida. However, adult activity is usually more noticeable in the late spring and early summer months. (UF)
Food
It's natural host is the Cabbage Palmetto - Sabal palmetto, a palm native to the southeastern U.S.
However, adults and larvae associated with a WIDE variety of genera and species in the palm family Arecaceae.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed in the crown of the palm. If infestation is severe, the the integrity of the crown is compromised and the top of the palm falls over.
Remarks
Larvae of palm weevils are considered "culinary delights"
