Acorn weevil (Curculio sp.)
By: Joan Allen, UConn Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, 2015
The acorn weevil is not often seen but is impressive to look at because of its long snout. The chewing mouthparts are at the end of the snout, so this long ‘beak’ does not make it difficult to feed on leaves.
Eggs are laid in green acorns on trees. Larvae feed inside and emerge after the acorns fall to the ground. They burrow into the ground where they remain for 1-3 years until they become adults, completing the life cycle. The video at the National Geographic link is great for a close-up view of adult egg-laying preparation, larval emergence, and, unfortunately, a sad ending.
Acorn weevil life cycle and info.
