Description

Over all length 2.5 - 3mm. A small black weevil with a very long snout and long antennae projecting from it. The eletra are strongly grooved and there is a tiny pale spot in the centre, where they meet the pronotum, the scutellum. There are other similar species so attention should be paid to the insect's overall shape.

Habitat

Commonest on strawberry and raspberry crops. The adults feed on pollen and nectar and the larvae develop singly in the wilting unopened flower buds of the host plant (normally strawberry or raspberry) which the adults have nipped off. These adults were photographed on Tansy and Ox-eye Daisy.

Status and distribution

Can be an agricultural pest and devastate almost entire crops. Common and well distributed in the southern half of Britain (but not the West Country). Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.