Birch Leaf Roller
Deporaus betulae
This record describes Deporaus betulae (species). Recorded family: Rhynchitidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is an all-black weevil with punctate elytra, 3-5 mm. The males have swollen femora on the rear legs but not the females. The elytra are oblong-shaped. The rostrum is broad and widens towards the tip. Caenorhinus mannerheimii has a head width (across the eyes) at least as wide as the pronotum. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box. Found mainly on Birch but can be found on other trees such as Alder and Hazel. The females cut most of the way through a leaf, producing an inverted cone, in which an egg is laid. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Deporaus betulae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deporaus_betulae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Rhynchitidae
- Genus
- Deporaus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found mainly on Birch but can be found on other trees such as Alder and Hazel.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The females cut most of the way through a leaf, producing an inverted cone, in which an egg is laid.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Deporaus betulae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Birch Leaf Roller (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Birch Leaf Roller
What is Birch Leaf Roller?
Birch Leaf Roller (Deporaus betulae) is a species in the family Rhynchitidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Birch Leaf Roller found?
Habitat: Found mainly on Birch but can be found on other trees such as Alder and Hazel.
When is Birch Leaf Roller active?
Birch Leaf Roller: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Birch Leaf Roller?
The females cut most of the way through a leaf, producing an inverted cone, in which an egg is laid.