University of Guyana

9/19/2018
Faculty of
Agriculture and
Forestry
Name: Avinash Rampersaud

USI # 1026807

Course: AGR 3102

Lab # 2
 Introduction
Insect sampling refers to the collection of insects for scientific study. Since, most insects are
small and the majority cannot be identified, it is important to examine them for minute
morphological characteristics. After they have been identified, entomologist often make an insect
collection for future reference.

Sweet Potato Weevil (Cylas formicarius)

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) weevil is the most serious pest of sweet potato, not only in
Guyana, but around the world. It causes severe damage in the field. It is inherently of interest to
entomologists due to its strikingly colorful appearance and extremely long rostrum (beak).

Taxonomy Classification

Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)

Phylum: Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Subphylum: Hexapoda (Hexapods)
Class: Insecta (Insects)
Order: Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder: Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Long-horned, Leaf and Snout Beetles)
Family: Brentidae (Primitive Weevils)
Subfamily: Brentinae
Genus: Cylas
Species: formicarius (Sweet Potato Weevil)

Image showing a sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius)

Sampling of Insects
Sampling of insects is often divided into two types:
(1) Active sampling
(2) Passive sampling.

Active sampling involves an active pursuit of the insects and can be done using methods such
as:
● Visual observation
● Sweep netting
● Use of pooters.

Passive collecting is based on the movement of the insects towards a trapping device. Example
of such traps are:
● Malaise traps
● Pan traps
● Pitfall traps
● Fixed suction traps
● Sticky traps
● Light traps
● Emergence traps (sex pheromone traps/ baits)

Sampling using the Sex Pheromone Trap

The trap that is most effective for the sweet potato weevil is the emergence trap/ sex pheromone
trap (passive collecting trap).
Sex pheromone traps often have an attractant that attracts the insects to it.
The one that is use to trap the sweet potato weevil, attracts only the male insect. Hence, the
female would not be able to reproduce (constricting the population number) and they die.
This sex pheromone traps helps to control or eradicate the insect population by mass trapping (a
method of reducing a population by a large number). This sex pheromone lures the male in a
large number to a trap that contains the attractant with water at the bottom a container. When the
weevil lands on the trap, eventually they will fall into the water and drown. Leaving only the
females alive, and since the female won’t be able to reproduce without the male, eventually they
will die. Hence, reducing or eradicating the population.
Placement of traps depends on the size of the field. Generally, two (2) traps is required per acre.
 Picture showing how the sex pheromone trap is set up in a sweet potato plot

Reference:
Phillip Harpootlian, cotinis, et al, https://bugguide.net/node/view/66851, 27th July, 2006

John L. Capimera, UF|IFAS, University of Florida

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/potato/sweetpotato_weevil.htm
February, 1998.

Picture Web link:

https://www.google.com/search?q=sweet+potato+weevil+traps&prmd=ivsn&source=lnm
s&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiNygvud-
cbdAhWN_qQKHefFCaYQ_AUICSgB&biw=360&bih=512&dpr=1.5#imgrc=QyHHS_
b4c7YAJM:&isa=y
Date retrieved: 2018/09/15