Strawberry Blossom Weevil
Anthonomus rubi
This record describes Anthonomus rubi (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small grey-black weevil around 2.5 to 3mm long with a tiny pale scutellum. Archarius salicivorus looks very similar but has a more rounded appearance when viewed from above. See ID Aids below. Your specimen should have these features: These small black weevils are very similar and don't have any obvious distinguishing features. However with a bit of practice they can be separated by eye. The easiest comparison is to look directly down on the beetle - Archarius has a rounder appearance with a barrel-shaped pronotum. 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. Especially common around strawberry and raspberry crops. This insect is a particularly problematic pest of strawberry in Europe, in some cases responsible for up to 80% loss of the berry crop. Adults feed on strawberry foliage, and females lay one egg per flower bud; larvae develop inside buds. Common and widespread in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Anthonomini
- Genus
- Anthonomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Especially common around strawberry and raspberry crops.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This insect is a particularly problematic pest of strawberry in Europe, in some cases responsible for up to 80% loss of the berry crop. Adults feed on strawberry foliage, and females lay one egg per flower bud; larvae develop inside buds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthonomus rubi. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Blossom Weevil
What is Strawberry Blossom Weevil?
Strawberry Blossom Weevil (Anthonomus rubi) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Strawberry Blossom Weevil found?
Habitat: Especially common around strawberry and raspberry crops.
What is the life cycle of a Strawberry Blossom Weevil?
This insect is a particularly problematic pest of strawberry in Europe, in some cases responsible for up to 80% loss of the berry crop. Adults feed on strawberry foliage, and females lay one egg per flower bud; larvae develop inside buds.