{"id":88,"date":"2024-06-01T09:16:43","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T09:16:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/macrostock.eu\/?p=88"},"modified":"2025-07-07T20:43:51","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T20:43:51","slug":"nettle-weevil-phyllobius-pomaceus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/macrostock.karits.eu\/index.php\/2024\/06\/01\/nettle-weevil-phyllobius-pomaceus\/","title":{"rendered":"Nettle weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Download image<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udeb2 Overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Nettle Weevil<\/strong>, Phyllobius pomaceus<\/em>, is a small, iridescent green beetle commonly found across Europe<\/strong>, particularly in areas with nettles<\/strong> (Urtica dioica<\/em>). It’s a member of the Curculionidae<\/strong> family (true weevils) and is easily recognized by its metallic sheen<\/strong> and long snout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udd0d Identification<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Size<\/strong><\/td>7\u20139 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Color<\/strong><\/td>Bright metallic green<\/strong> or bluish, due to scales on the body<\/td><\/tr>
Shape<\/strong><\/td>Elongated body with a long curved snout<\/strong> (rostrum)<\/td><\/tr>
Antennae<\/strong><\/td>Elbowed, arising from the snout<\/td><\/tr>
Legs<\/strong><\/td>Often orange or reddish-brown<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The green color fades when the beetle is dead or loses its scales.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\udf3f Habitat & Host Plants<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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  • Found in meadows<\/strong>, hedgerows<\/strong>, woodland edges<\/strong>, and gardens<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Closely associated with nettles<\/strong>, but may also feed on:\n
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    • Hops (Humulus lupulus<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Various herbaceous plants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Feeding & Life Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Adults<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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      • Appear in spring (April\u2013June)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Feed on nettles<\/strong>, chewing notches in the leaf margins<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Larvae<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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        • Live underground<\/strong> and feed on roots<\/strong> of host plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Less noticeable but can affect plant health if populations are high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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          \ud83d\udd01 Life Cycle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Spring<\/strong>: Adults emerge and feed on foliage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Early summer<\/strong>: Mating and egg-laying on or near host plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Summer to autumn<\/strong>: Larvae develop underground, feeding on roots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Winter<\/strong>: Pupation occurs in soil; adults emerge the following spring.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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            \ud83e\udde0 Interesting Facts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Although common, P. pomaceus<\/em> rarely causes serious damage<\/strong> to plants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Its striking green coloration is not pigment-based but caused by light-reflecting scales<\/strong> \u2014 a form of structural coloration<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • It’s part of a larger group of weevils often called leaf weevils<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              \u2705 Distinguishing Tips<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Unlike many weevils, the bright metallic green<\/strong> makes P. pomaceus<\/em> quite easy to identify in the field.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Look for it sitting on nettle leaves<\/strong>, especially in sunny spots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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