Infection of the Diaprepes Root Weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by an Iridovirus

The Diaprepes root weevil (DRW), Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.), is now regarded as a principal threat to sustainability of the citrus industry in Florida. Since its introduction into Florida in 1964, the weevil has spread throughout the citrus producing areas of peninsular Florida. Adult females oviposit on leaves. Neonate larvae fall to the ground and burrow into the soil where they feed on progressively larger roots as the larvae grow. Tre