Grape cane gallmaker, Ampeloglypter sesostris (LeConte)


This is taken primarily from an extension bulletin by D. G. Pfeiffer & P. B. Schultz, entitled "Major Insect and Mite Pests of Grape in Virginia" (Va. Coop. Ext. Serv. 444-567 (1986))
This weevil is closely related to the grape cane girdler and is similar in many respects in appearance and life cycle. The species is red-brown rather than black. The main difference is in the biology of this species: the female punctures the shoot just above one of the lower joints and places an egg in the puncture. There are additional punctures above this in which no eggs are laid. As the larva feeds in the pith, a red gall or swelling develops in the area. The gall is 2.5-5 cm long, about twice the diameter of the cane. The cane may break at this point when green, but after it hardens it will usually survive to produce a crop the next season. The cane still grows, so damage is usually not important even though this species may be a common pest. Infested canes may be destroyed as soon as the swellings are visible.

Recent research in Pennsylvania has shown no effect on berry quality or vine vigor (Saunders and Tobin 2000).

See New York Fact sheet



Other reading:
Saunders, M.  C. and P. C. Tobin. 2000. Grape cane gallmaker (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its impact on cultivated grapes. J. Econ. Entomol. 93: 795-799.

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