INSECTS

COLEOPTERA / WEEVILS

Beetles are usually distinguished by having forewings modified into hard wing cases known as elytra, which cover and protect the hindwings and abdomen.

Common Leaf Weevils Phyllobius pyri are usually seen during spring on low vegetation. They are particularly attracted to oak seedlings. Immature females feed for 2-3 weeks before laying eggs in batches directly into the soil among the host roots. A typical female will lay several hundred eggs. The larvae hatch to feed upon roots of various herbaceous plants and grasses.

Iris Weevils Mononychus punctumalbum are 4-5mm long. Their larvae live in the seeds of Iris plants. New adults appear in autumn and overwinter in leaf litter. Also called the Single-clawed Weevil.

Gorse Seed Weevils Exapion ulicis are 2-3mm long. Adults are covered in grey scales that look like lines on the wing cases. Females have a rostrum (snout) half as long as the body. The male's rostrum is approximately as long as the pronotum. This species is often found on Gorse.

Cramp-ball Fungus Weevil  Platyrhinus resinosus is a woodland species. Its larvae develop inside the fungus called Crampballs  Daldinia concentrica   (aka King Alfred's cakes). Its bird dropping colouration helps it avoid the attention of predators.