Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity






back to order Coleoptera
insect database

Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: phytophagous
Immatures: phytophagous

Size: 1 to 40 mm
Flight :

North American
Species:
2600


Coleoptera Curculionidae
Weevils, Snout beetles

Front Wings: hardened
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: elbowed
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Weevils are easy recognized by their head, which is extended into a snout. The colour, size and shape vary considerably between species. The antennae are always elbowed and sometimes clubbed as well. The larvae are smooth or wrinkled, legless and C-shaped.

Comments: Almost all weevils are phytophagous and they attack all parts of the plants. The larvae feed inside the tissues of the plant and the adults attack the fruits, nuts and the other parts of the plant. Weevils are considered serious pests of agricultural and forest crops, but they have also been used as biological control agents of weeds. When disturbed they will fall on the ground and play dead. This is a very large family, both in North America and worldwide.

Species:
Curculio nasicus Say

Common Name:
Long-nosed curculio

Feeding Habits: The larvae feed on hazelnuts.

Distribution:
Nova Scotia to Ontario.