Weevils are beetles (Coleoptera) belonging to one of several thousand species in the superfamily Curculionoidea.
They have long snouts (rostra), rounded bodies, and elbowed antennae. They are small, with most weevils being shorter than 6 mm long. Several weevils can fly, while others have fused wing cases and are flightless. They often have very specialized associations with specific plants.
Interactions
Many weevil species play important roles in their ecosystems, as pollinators and decomposers of plants. They are herbivorous and consume plants and their seeds. Some weevils are considered pests as they can damage stored grain, and cause damage to crops.
For example, Acorn weevils (Carculio glandium) (shown here) are specialists that use oak trees as a crucial part of their lifecycle. Female acorn weevils use their elongated rostrum to bore into developing acorns. They then insert their ovipositor and lay their eggs into the acorn, which then provides food for the weevil larvae.
Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil (Polydrusus formosus)
Polydrusus formosus is a species of broad-nosed weevils ( having a broad rostrum) that grows to 5 or 6 mm in length. It has shimmering, round, green scales over its body, and yellow-orange legs with either a very small, or without a tooth on its front femurs.
The antennae are thin with a dark club at the end and are attached to the sides of the rostrum. The weevil’s head is cone-shaped.
Polydrusus formosus are native to Europe and are widespread throughout the south of the UK.
As their name suggests, these weevils feed on the leaves of various trees, as well as buds, flowers, and shoots.
