Brown Leaf Weevil
Phyllobius oblongus
This record describes Phyllobius oblongus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 4 - 5.5 mm. Brown elytra, lacking scales but with many erect hairs. |
| Legs | Legs pale. |
| Head | Head, pronotum and underside black. Phyllobius is a genus of broad-nosed weevils that are commonly found on low herbage and in trees during spring and summer. Most are covered in metallic green scales that give them a very attractive appearance. There are 9 species and most look similar but they can be separated by carefully comparing the range of features shown in the table below, either under a binocular microscope or with a x20 hand-lens. Phyllobius weevils can be distinguished from the similar genus Polydrusus by looking where the antennae emerge from the rostrum. In Phyllobius the antennae emerge from the top whilst in Polydrusus they are positioned at the side. When looking directly down on the beetle it is usually clear to see. 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. Woodland, copses, wooded parkland and hedgerows. Adults occur during spring and early summer. Widely distributed and generally common throughout England and Wales and extending to west Perth in Scotland. No additional images available for this species. |
Wikipedia reference for Phyllobius oblongus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllobius_oblongus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Phyllobiini
- Genus
- Phyllobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, copses, wooded parkland and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur during spring and early summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed and generally common throughout England and Wales and extending to west Perth in Scotland.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllobius oblongus. 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 Brown Leaf Weevil (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Leaf Weevil
What is Brown Leaf Weevil?
Brown Leaf Weevil (Phyllobius oblongus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Brown Leaf Weevil found?
Habitat: Woodland, copses, wooded parkland and hedgerows.
When is Brown Leaf Weevil active?
Brown Leaf Weevil: seasonal activity - Adults occur during spring and early summer..