Anthonomus rubi


Anthonomus rubi, the strawberry blossom weevil, is a weevil that feeds on plants of the family Rosaceae and is an important pest of strawberry and raspberry. This insect is a particularly problematic pest of strawberry in Europe, in some cases responsible for up to 80% loss of the berry crop. Adults feed on strawberry foliage, and females lay eggs inside unopened flower buds before partially or totally severing the stalk; larvae develop inside the severed buds, feeding on the wilting tissue.

Role of pheromones

Adults are thought to be attracted to strawberries by chemicals released by the plants. Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aromatic compounds acted as odorants on weevils' receptor neurons. Male A. rubi then release their own blend of aggregation pheromone, three components of which have been shown to attract weevils to baited traps.