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This
is the largest beetle family in Australia and members of this family
are commonly known as weevils. Weevils are recognisable by having
an elongated snout called a rostrum with their mouthparts contained
at the end. The antennae are often clubbed and have a long scape,
which gives them a distinct elbow. Weevils range in size from 1
to 60 millimetres in length, are mostly dull coloured and have a
very hard body.
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Orthorhinus
cylindrirostris (elephant
weevil)
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Both
the adults and larvae of weevils are typically herbivorous, feeding on
the roots, wood, fruit, bark, leaves and stems of a wide range of native
and ornamental plants. Some weevils are pest species that attack stored
products such as grains, flour, seeds and similar products.
The
larvae of weevils are C-shaped and legless and nearly all species stay
concealed in the soil or within their food source until emerging as adults.
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Notoplatypus
elongatus belongs to a the subfamily PLATYPODINAE which is
made up of small beetles commonly known as pinhole borers as they
make tiny tunnels through wood. They are also known as ambrosia
beetles because they feed on the fungi which grows along their
tunnels. Platypodinae tunnel deeply into wood and both adults
and larvae feed on fungi.
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Chrysolophus
spectabilis (Botany
Bay weevil)
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This
colourful looking weevil is also known as the diamond beetle
and can be found in eastern and south-eastern Australia.
The larvae feed on the roots of Acacia species, while
the adults feed on the leaves.
This
species was one of the first to be described by Sir Joseph
Banks when he collected material after landing in Botany
Bay with Captain Cook in 1770.
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For
more weevil species visit the Australian
Insect Common
Names
- Curculionidae section found here.
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