Willow Gall Weevil
Archarius salicivorus
This record describes Archarius salicivorus (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: head and body (not the curved snout) 2.5 mm. A black weevil with tapered body, long snout with antennae midway along, black rostrum and antennae. Also known as Curculio salicivorus . Anthonomus rubi (Strawberry Blossom Weevil) looks very similar but is less rounded when viewed from above. See ID Aids below. 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. Lays eggs in sawfly galls on Willow where the young weevils predate the larvae of the gall causer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Curculioninae
- Tribe
- Curculionini
- Genus
- Archarius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Willow.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lays eggs in sawfly galls on Willow where the young weevils predate the larvae of the gall causer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Archarius salicivorus. 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 Willow Gall Weevil
What is Willow Gall Weevil?
Willow Gall Weevil (Archarius salicivorus) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Willow Gall Weevil?
head and body (not the curved snout) 2.5 mm. A black weevil with tapered body, long snout with antennae midway along, black rostrum and antennae. Also known as
Where is Willow Gall Weevil found?
Habitat: On Willow.
When is Willow Gall Weevil active?
Willow Gall Weevil: seasonal activity - Spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Willow Gall Weevil?
Lays eggs in sawfly galls on Willow where the young weevils predate the larvae of the gall causer.