Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil
Hypera nigrirostris
This record describes Hypera nigrirostris (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
3 to 4 mm, rostrum or beak is three times as long as it is broad and notched at its base. The eyes are large, taller than wide and non-protuberant. The elytra can be greenish-gold or coppery brown, both being the result of the presence of scales. Legs are reddish brown. Erect pale hairs form lines between the striae, particularly towards the apices of the elytra. 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. Areas with plenty of Clover and Bird's-foot-trefoil. Adults feed on clover and Birds-foot-trefoil. Widespread and fairly frequent, especially in the southern half of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hyperinae
- Genus
- Hypera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas with plenty of Clover and Bird's-foot-trefoil.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults feed on clover and Birds-foot-trefoil.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent, especially in the southern half of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hypera nigrirostris. 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 Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil
What is Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil?
Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil (Hypera nigrirostris) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil found?
Habitat: Areas with plenty of Clover and Bird's-foot-trefoil.
When is Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil active?
Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil?
Adults feed on clover and Birds-foot-trefoil.