Gorse Weevil
Exapion ulicis
This record describes Exapion ulicis (species). Recorded family: Apionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2 to 3 mm. The adult weevil is covered in light grey scales which can appear in lines down the elytra. The female has a rostrum half as long as its body whereas the male's rostrum is only about as long as the pronotum, and shorter than the antennae. The front legs have a yellow base colour but this can be obscured by the scales. 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. The adult feeds on Gorse by digging into the soft tissue of the stem and spines with its snout, creating characteristic round holes as evidence. The larva does more damage, however. It emerges from its egg inside the gorse seed pod and feeds on the seeds for six to eight weeks. The larva then pupates for about two months. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Exapion ulicis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exapion_ulicis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Apionidae (Primitive Weevils)
- Subfamily
- Apioninae
- Tribe
- Aspidapiini
- Genus
- Exapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around Gorse.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adult feeds on Gorse by digging into the soft tissue of the stem and spines with its snout, creating characteristic round holes as evidence. The larva does more damage, however. It emerges from its egg inside the gorse seed pod and feeds on the seeds for six to eight weeks. The larva then pupates for about two months.
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 Exapion ulicis. 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 Gorse Weevil (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gorse Weevil
What is Gorse Weevil?
Gorse Weevil (Exapion ulicis) is a species in the family Apionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gorse Weevil?
2 to 3 mm. The adult weevil is covered in light grey scales which can appear in lines down the elytra. The female has a rostrum half as long as its body whereas the male's rostrum is only about as long as the pronotum, and shorter than the antennae. The front legs have a yellow base colour but this can be obscured by the scales.
Where is Gorse Weevil found?
Habitat: Around Gorse.
What is the life cycle of a Gorse Weevil?
The adult feeds on Gorse by digging into the soft tissue of the stem and spines with its snout, creating characteristic round holes as evidence. The larva does more damage, however. It emerges from its egg inside the gorse seed pod and feeds on the seeds for six to eight weeks. The larva then pupates for about two months.