Structure of the Reproductive System of the Pecan Weevil (Curculionidae)1

Abstract

The pecan weevil, Curculio caryae (Horn), is noted for its extremely long and slender beak which it uses for drilling the coverings of the host fruit for feeding and in preparation for egg-laying. There is a parallel development in the reproductive organs and the extended ovipositor has been found to be as long as the female beak, about 11 mm. The object of this paper is to describe in detail the reproductive system, male and female, using what seems to be the most appropriate and best established nomenclature. It is believed the male organs offer characters of taxonomic value but no other species of the genus has been carefully studied.