ColeopteraCurculionidae

Curculio nucum

This record describes Curculio nucum (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Curculio nucum - Curculio nucum

This weevil ranges from 6 to 8.5 mm. The female's snout is as long as the rest of the body, with a reddish end. The male snout is about 1/3 shorter. The body colour is usually light brown, similar to the colour of mature hazelnuts. Raised ridge of roof-like scales forming an obvious raised ridge at the elytral apex, scutellum as long as broad. Curculio nucum and Curculio glandium are very similar but can be distinguished by the shape of the antennal club. C. glandium (on the left) has a narrower and more tapered club than C. nucum (on the right). 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 adults can be found from May to the end of August. Development takes place mostly within a two-year life cycle. Adult beetles emerge in the spring from the soil where they have been overwintering as adult. They feed on hazel buds and leaves. Fairly frequent in central and southern England, less common elsewhere in Britain. No additional images available for this species.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Genus
Curculio

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

On Hazel.

Seasonal Activity

The adults can be found from May to the end of August.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Development takes place mostly within a two-year life cycle. Adult beetles emerge in the spring from the soil where they have been overwintering as adult. They feed on hazel buds and leaves.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Fairly frequent in central and southern England, less common elsewhere in Britain.

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Curculio nucum. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Curculio nucum

What is Curculio nucum?

Curculio nucum is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.

Where is Curculio nucum found?

Habitat: On Hazel.

When is Curculio nucum active?

Curculio nucum: seasonal activity - The adults can be found from May to the end of August..

What is the life cycle of a Curculio nucum?

Development takes place mostly within a two-year life cycle. Adult beetles emerge in the spring from the soil where they have been overwintering as adult. They feed on hazel buds and leaves.