Leaf-feeding Weevil in Sugarbeet
(E1273, Revised November 2021)A leaf-feeding weevil, Tanymecus confusus, first was observed feeding on sugarbeet in the southern portion of the Red River Valley (Richland County, N.D., and Wilkin County, Minn.) in 1975. The weevil has since caused problems for growers in southern Minnesota (Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle and Swift counties) in 1992 and 1997, and again in Richland County in 2004.
Tanymecus palliatus and Bothynoderes punctiventris are occasional pests of sugarbeet in Europe. Feeding injury by adult Tanymecus confusus typically occurs in small areas within sugarbeet fields. Damage is occasionally severe enough to require replanting.