Phyllobius pomaceus

Phyllobius pomaceus (subgenus Metaphyllobius) is a species of short-nosed weevil commonly known as the nettle weevil.[2]

Phyllobius pomaceus
Phyllobius pomaceus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Subphylum:
Hexapoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Curculionidae
Subfamily:
Entiminae
Tribe:
Phyllobiini
Genus:
Phyllobius
Species:
P. pomaceus
Binomial name
Phyllobius pomaceus
Gyllenhal, 1834
Synonyms[1]
  • Curculio auratus Geoffroy, 1785
  • Curculio prasinus Olivier, 1791
  • Curculio urticae De Geer, 1775

Description

P. pomaceus is a slender and elongate weevil, measuring 7–9 mm in length with bright metallic green scales, combined with variations of gold, blue and copper colour, on its elytra.[3] Larvae measure up to 8 mm in length, with a creamy white coloured body and dark head.[4]

Habitat and Distribution

The beetle is associated with nettles (Urtica dioica) and Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria).[3][5] P. pomaceus can also be a pest of strawberries.[4]

Larvae live within the soil feeding on roots, adults above ground on the leaves and stems of their host plants.

References
  1. "Species Details : Phyllobius (Metaphyllobius) pomaceus Gyllenhal, 1834". Catalogue of Life (2017 Annual Checklist). 2017. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  2. "PNettle Weevil - Phyllobius pomaceus". Nature Spot. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  3. "Phyllobius pomaceus Gyllenhal, 1834". The Watford Coleoptera Group. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  4. Alford, D. V. (2016). Pests of Fruit Crops: A Colour Handbook (2nd ed.). CRC Press. p. 166.
  5. "Coleoptera >> Curculionidae >> Phyllobius pomaceus Gyllenhal". BRC Database of Insects and their Food Plants. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
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