Weevils
What are they?
The weevils make up a large number of the beetle species in our area. Weevils are common and widespread and often of great economic importance since many species feed in large numbers on crop plants. Adults of many species feed on leaves, creating chewed gaps along the margins of the leaves. Larvae feed on roots and plant stems, while some feed inside developing nuts. A number of species practice parthenogenesis; the females give birth to female young and males are unknown in the population. Most species are capable of flight but some have fused wing cases and cannot fly.
Identification
Like most weevils, members of this family tend to have elongated snouts and angled antennae. Many species are rather plain and dull, and surface hairs can rub off and change the appearance of the insect. The species of plant upon which the beetle is found can be important in aiding identification.
Asiatic Oak Weevil Cyrtepistomus castaneus
Introduced from Asia and now a widespread species, feeding mostly on oak species in our area.
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Black Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus
Introduced from Europe and now a widespread species. Adults feed on the leaves of many species and can do much damage to ornamental rhododendrons and other members of the heath family. Larvae feed in the ground on a wide range of plants. This is species can be a serious pest of horticultural stock.
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