Eesti Looduse 2021. aasta fotovõistlus. Eesti loodusmuuseumi auhind.
Estonian Nature 2021 photo competition. Special award
Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus)
The Nettle Weevil, scientifically known as Phyllobius pomaceus, is a small, metallic green beetle belonging to the Curculionidae family (weevils). Commonly found on nettles and other plants across Europe, it is easily recognized by its brilliant coloration, long snout, and distinctive antennae.
🔍 Identification
- Size:
- Length: ~7–9 mm
- Coloration:
- Shiny metallic green or blue-green scales covering the body
- Legs and antennae are orange-brown, with the femora often darkened
- The scales can rub off over time, revealing the dark blackish exoskeleton underneath
- Body Shape:
- Typical weevil shape with a pronounced rostrum (snout)
- Elytra (wing covers) marked with fine striations
🌍 Distribution & Habitat
- Range:
- Widespread across Europe, including the UK, and parts of Asia
- Habitat:
- Commonly found in meadows, hedgerows, gardens, and woodland edges
- Strongly associated with stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), but also found on other herbaceous plants
🍽️ Diet
- Adults: Feed on nettle leaves, often leaving small holes or irregular notches along leaf edges
- Larvae: Live in the soil, feeding on the roots of nettles and other plants
🐣 Life Cycle
- Reproduction:
- Adults are active from spring to early summer (April–June)
- Females lay eggs near the host plant
- Larvae:
- Hatch and burrow into the soil, feeding on plant roots
- Undergo metamorphosis in the soil and emerge as adults the following spring
🌟 Behavior
- Movement:
- Not strong fliers but may drop or walk away when disturbed
- Often seen crawling on nettles, sunning on leaves, or feeding
- Defense:
- Camouflaged by their green coloration when on foliage
- Can play dead (thanatosis) by dropping to the ground if threatened
✅ Ecological Role
- Plays a role in the food web: prey for birds, spiders, and other insectivores
- A minor pest in gardens due to leaf damage, but generally not harmful in small numbers
📌 Summary
The Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) is a small but beautiful beetle, glittering in green hues and closely tied to stinging nettles. Though modest in size, it plays an important part in its ecosystem and is a favorite among macro-photographers and nature enthusiasts thanks to its vivid appearance and delicate features.
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