Cabbage Seed Weevil
Ceutorhynchus obstrictus
This record describes Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults have round grey bodies (2 to 4 mm in length) and grey legs covered with fine white scales. Ceutorhynchus obstrictus has a long curved proboscis with small bent antennae. When disturbed, it displays the interesting behaviour of folding its legs and proboscis against its body to make it look like a small grey pebble. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed. The eggs are deposited into immature crucifer (Brassica sp.) pods. Larvae feed on developing seeds. The mature larvae bore out the side of the pod and burrow into the soil. Adults emerge 10-14 days after pupation begins and feed for the remainder of the season on pods and flowers storing fats for overwintering. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceutorhynchinae
- Tribe
- Ceutorhynchini
- Genus
- Ceutorhynchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around brassica plants.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs are deposited into immature crucifer (Brassica sp.) pods. Larvae feed on developing seeds. The mature larvae bore out the side of the pod and burrow into the soil. Adults emerge 10-14 days after pupation begins and feed for the remainder of the season on pods and flowers storing fats for overwintering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ceutorhynchus obstrictus. 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 Cabbage Seed Weevil (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Seed Weevil
What is Cabbage Seed Weevil?
Cabbage Seed Weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cabbage Seed Weevil found?
Habitat: Around brassica plants.
When is Cabbage Seed Weevil active?
Cabbage Seed Weevil: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Cabbage Seed Weevil?
The eggs are deposited into immature crucifer (Brassica sp.) pods. Larvae feed on developing seeds. The mature larvae bore out the side of the pod and burrow into the soil. Adults emerge 10-14 days after pupation begins and feed for the remainder of the season on pods and flowers storing fats for overwintering.