Suddenly Seeing a Bunch of Small Black Beetle-Like Bugs in Richmond?
- Mike Balas
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
So is everyone else! These insects are Black Vine Weevils and we're getting a big population influx at the moment in the greater Richmond area.
Sometimes one bug or another will suddenly seem to be taking over the area. Not only have we seen these bugs all over Central Virginia, but so has everyone else. Right now, these bugs - called Black Vine Weevils - can be found not just all over gardens, yard, parks and vegetation, they are all over cars, people, and buildings.
In fact, that guy pictured above was photographed on the rooftop of the 16-story Graduate Hotel in the middle of the concrete jungle of Richmond. Not much vegetation there for sure.
So, why are these guys popping up all over the place right now and should you be worried about them?
What Do Black Vine Weevils Look Like?
Adult black vine weevils are small (around a half-inch long) beetles with a round, textured body. They have a distinctive broad snout on their head. They are black, blackish-brown, or dark gray in color. They have six legs that are knobbed on the end and appear almost twisted. They also have two elbowed antennae that are also knobbly on the end. These insects do not fly because their wing covers are fused together.
While they do not fly, they are active walkers and easily mistakenly transported on plants, vehicles or even clothing.
The grubs and pupae are about the same size as the adults, but are white and legless.
As a side note, Virginia also plays host to yellow poplar weevils, mostly found in the southwest region. They look extremely similar, with the yellow poplar weevil being smaller (around 1/8 of an inch) and slightly less destructive; these two weevils can be easily mistaken for each other.
Why Are There So Many Black Vine Weevils In Richmond Right Now?
The main reason for the seemingly sudden influx of black vine weevils in Richmond right now is due to the fact that these insects are most active in May and June. They overwinter as larvae deep in the soil, feeding on roots. As their life-cycle progresses, they dig their way out of the ground and begin to feed on plants. Black vine weevils are nocturnal and feed mostly at night, resting in dark places during the daytime hours, such as the soil or in the shade of plants.
In addition to the emergence factor, they are also able to lay a huge number of eggs, which then hatch quickly. Adults will live around three months and will lay an average of 200 eggs during that time, with the eggs hatching within two to three weeks. This also increases the populations quickly.
And the last factor at play is that, as is the case with many insects, there are simply population booms in some years over others. This year, we seem to have a big bloom of weevils.
Another side note and clarification: while there has been some concern that the influx is due to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation's release of a huge number of weevils just outside of Washington DC last summer, those weevils released as a natural solution to an invasive plant problem were Mile-a-Minute weevils. Though similar in appearance, they are rust colored weevils, not the black vine weevils discussed here.
Should I Be Concerned About Black Vine Weevils?
From a personal safety perspective, there is no need to be concerned about weevils harming you or your pets. They do not sting or bite. They don't transmit disease. That's the good news.
The bad news, however, is that these beetles have been a serious ornamental pest since the 1910s, when they were first identified in Connecticut. They quickly made their way up throughout Southern Canada and down the US coast, infecting the whole Eastern Seaboard.
Black vine weevils can be extremely destructive to plants, with the larvae being particularly bad. These larvae can be hard to detect because they live under the soil and feed on the roots of the plant, making the plant's demise seem more like plant disease rather than insect damage. The adult weevils are also harmful to plants as they will chew around the edges of the leaves and needles, preferring to target younger plants. Black vine weevils aren't particularly picky, feeding on over 100 different kinds of plants, trees, vines, and vegetation - including flowers and fruit plants.
Because of the large number of weevils we're seeing in the Richmond area right now, your yard, gardens, and vegetation could be getting hit hard. The best control is targeting the adults through professional-grade pest control, being applied at regular intervals throughout the summer.
We're here to answer questions and help keep unwanted pests from your home and yard. Call us anytime!
For even more interesting information about Virginia's common insects, check out our pest library
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