White Clover Seed Weevil
Protapion fulvipes
This record describes Protapion fulvipes (species). Recorded family: Apionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very small (1.8 to 2.2 mm) weevil. It is shining dark grey to black, very convex and slender. Rostrum long and cylindrical with antennae inserted midway (male) or behind middle (female). The legs are mainly yellow except the tarsi (feet) which are black. The lower parts of the antennae are also yellow in colour with a club that is 3x longer than wide. The antennal segments gradually broaden towards the club. Protapion nigritarse looks very similar but has an antennal club that is only 2x longer than wide. In addition the middle antennal segments become narrower. Usually only the club is dark. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. Ideally a detailed photo of the antennae should be attached. 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. Associated with clover, but found in almost any well vegetated environment. Larvae feed in the flower heads of clover. This is our most common and widespread species of Apionidae , being found throughout the British Isles including the Scottish islands.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Apionidae
- Genus
- Protapion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with clover, but found in almost any well vegetated environment.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed in the flower heads of clover.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is our most common and widespread species of
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Protapion fulvipes. 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 White Clover Seed Weevil (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About White Clover Seed Weevil
What is White Clover Seed Weevil?
White Clover Seed Weevil (Protapion fulvipes) is a species in the family Apionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is White Clover Seed Weevil found?
Habitat: Associated with clover, but found in almost any well vegetated environment.
When is White Clover Seed Weevil active?
White Clover Seed Weevil: seasonal activity - Mainly spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a White Clover Seed Weevil?
Larvae feed in the flower heads of clover.