Notes on the Life History of the Clover Root Curculio, Sitona Hispidula Fab., In Central Illinois1

The Clover Root Curculio, Sitona Hispidula Fabr., is a potentially serious pest of clovers and alfalfa. Adults hibernate and oviposit both fall and spring. Eggs hatch in the spring. Larvae feed for 21-27 days on the nodules and small roots of the food plants. Pupation occurs mostly in June and requires 17-22 days. It is at approximately the time of first cutting of alfalfa for hay. Adults emerge during June and July and live practically an entire year.