Leaf-rolling Weevils
What are they?
An interesting group of small weevils which are usually black and red in color. The family gets its English name from the behavior of egg-laying females. The females cut part way through a leaf, lay an egg, then roll the leaf to encase each single egg. The growing larva feeds on the rolled leaf which, in time falls to the ground, from where the larva pupates. The rolled up leaves are very distinctive and easily recognized once known.
Identification
Like most weevils, members of this family tend to have elongated snouts and angled antennae. Most species are reddish or black and red in color. The species of plant upon which the beetle is found can be important in aiding identification.
Sumac Leaf-rolling Weevil Attelabus nigripes
Quite common on Winged Sumac in regenerating fields, along woodland borders and on waste land.
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