Molecular identification of the economically important invasive citrus root weevil Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

We developed a sensitive barcoding technique based on the PCR-amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene to use in identification of eggs, larvae, and adults of the citrus root weevil, D. abbreviatus. This molecular tool provides accurate species identification for management and quarantine decisions of this pest.