Beetles are the most varied group of insects on the planet, with more different species than any other type of organism. Their success is generally put down to their tough wing-cases (elytra), which cover and protect the folded membranous flight wings, allowing them to squeeze into tight spaces to hide without damage. Plenty, though, live openly on leaves and flowers, actively flying about. Weevils are a large group of beetles with their short but stout jaws at the end of a snout – the rostrum. They use this to drill down into leaves, stems or buds, then lay an egg inside where the grub develops in secret. Though some weevils are considered pests, most are secretive insects living on wild plants, and leave, at worst, only minor nibblings.
Richard Jones…
