Since 2013, garlic (Allium sativum L.) growers of the state of Puebla, Mexico, have reported production losses caused by a new pest in the agricultural region. Because there was a lack of information and the species was not identified, control measures were inefficient because the plant symptoms can be confused with those caused by other pests. The objective of this study was to contribute tools to identify the species and generate information on the damage it causes. Effectiveness of a trapping system with food bait also was evaluated. The insect was identified as Epicaerus opercularus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The larvae perforate garlic bulbs and consume several plants during development, affecting as much as 68% of production. Trapping with food bait was not effective, at least with the conditions of the experiment. Images of the immature stages, adults, and damage by larvae to garlic plants are included.