Many species of root weevils cause trouble. The black vine weevil feasts on plants such as yew, rhododendrons, members of the rose family, and small fruits; the strawberry root weevil attacks a wide variety of plants, ranging from strawberries to arborvitae. The vegetable weevil (shown) feeds on carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and other plants.
Adults of all species are nocturnal, leaf-chewing, flightless beetles; they’re about 1/3 inch long, with the typical long, curved weevil snout. When disturbed, they fall to the ground and play dead. The root-eating larvae are C-shaped, legless grubs with whitish or pinkish bodies and brown heads.