The black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is an insect native to Europe but common in North America as well.
Grubs grow up to 1 cm in length, have a slightly curved, legless body and are creamy white in colour with a tan-brown head.
Their host plant genera include: The soil dwelling grubs can be difficult to control with chemical insecticides, and products showing some efficacy, such as chlorpyrifos, have been withdrawn from many markets, especially garden centres.
Besides their environmental benefits, certain 'cruiser' entomopathogenic nematode species (see below) have the additional capacity to search for their prey underground.
Larvae can be controlled using parasitic nematodes, for example Steinernema kraussei and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (a 'cruiser' species), which can be bought from some garden centres and by mail order.