Weavils, Snout Beetles

Family Curculionidae

Long-nosed curculio (Curculio nasicus). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Almost all weevils are phytophagous (plant-eating) and 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. Weevils are easy recognized by their head, which is extended into a long 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.