Clay-coloured Weevil
Otiorhynchus singularis
This record describes Otiorhynchus singularis (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. These weevils feed on shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Raspberry and can be a pest of Raspberry fruit farmers. Adults can be found from spring to late summer. Adults emerge in early spring. They climb up the plant after dark and feed on developing buds and flower shoots. They shelter in the soil and debris at the base of the plant. Eggs are laid in the soil and soon hatch. The larvae feed on the roots, often at a depth of about 50 cm. When fully mature, they pupate in earthen cells and emerge as adults. A common weevil although most records come from the western side of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Entiminae
- Tribe
- Otiorhynchini
- Genus
- Otiorhynchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
These weevils feed on shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Raspberry and can be a pest of Raspberry fruit farmers.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can be found from spring to late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults emerge in early spring. They climb up the plant after dark and feed on developing buds and flower shoots. They shelter in the soil and debris at the base of the plant. Eggs are laid in the soil and soon hatch. The larvae feed on the roots, often at a depth of about 50 cm. When fully mature, they pupate in earthen cells and emerge as adults.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A common weevil although most records come from the western side of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Otiorhynchus singularis. 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 Clay-coloured Weevil (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay-coloured Weevil
What is Clay-coloured Weevil?
Clay-coloured Weevil (Otiorhynchus singularis) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Clay-coloured Weevil found?
Habitat: These weevils feed on shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Raspberry and can be a pest of Raspberry fruit farmers.
When is Clay-coloured Weevil active?
Clay-coloured Weevil: seasonal activity - Adults can be found from spring to late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Clay-coloured Weevil?
Adults emerge in early spring. They climb up the plant after dark and feed on developing buds and flower shoots. They shelter in the soil and debris at the base of the plant. Eggs are laid in the soil and soon hatch. The larvae feed on the roots, often at a depth of about 50 cm. When fully mature, they pupate in earthen cells and emerge as adults.