U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 5, 2026 · 14 MIN

U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil

from The AM/DM · host The Daily Memphian

For decades, scientists believed a small beetle with a comically large snout had quietly vanished from the forests of the eastern United States — wiped out by the same disease that nearly erased the American chestnut tree itself. The greater chestnut weevil hadn't been definitively seen since the 1990s. Many assumed it was extinct. But two scientists at the University of Memphis weren't so sure. Today, the story of a beetle presumed gone — and what its rediscovery might mean in an era of rapid biodiversity loss. Plus: Venezuelans in Memphis feel euphoria now that the 'nightmare' is over Memphis overcomes sloppy play to open American Conference play with a win against North Texas 2026 is set to be a big build year for Lakeland and Bartlett A 'Save the Harrold' campaign reimagines a historic Millington building A Mississippi state senator is to introduce legislation targeting a school board member who supported Lindsey Whiteside There is a new wave of Memphis-connected health apps Nearly 90% of Task Force immigration arrests started with traffic stops

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U of M researchers discover 'extinct' weevil

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