Checklist and Habitat Associations of Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Rice Fields of Ekiti State, South West Nigeria

Weevils of the family Curculionidae include some of the most damaging insect pests of rice in both field and storage environments. Ekiti State, situated in the humid forest-savanna transition zone, has expanded rice cultivation as part of the federal government's agricultural transformation agenda, yet the weevil fauna of its rice fields has not been documented. This study compiles a checklist of weevil species found in rice paddies and their immediate habitats in Ekiti State and describes their habitat associations. Weekly sweep net sampling, pitfall trapping, and grain sample inspection will be conducted at 18 rice field sites across three farming seasons in Ado Ekiti, Ijero, and Oye LGAs. Weevils will be identified to species level using current Curculionidae keys. Habitat association data will be analyzed using correspondence analysis to describe species-habitat relationships. Infestation rates on rice plants at different growth stages will be documented alongside weevil abundance. This work is the first systematic curculionid survey for Ekiti rice ecosystems and contributes to the national insect species inventory. Extension materials highlighting key pest weevils will be developed for Ekiti rice farmers. Keywords: Curculionidae, weevils, rice pests, Ekiti State, habitat associations