Some members of Rhynchitinae develop in

buds, and can be pests by damaging blossom, an

example being the North American “rose curculio”

Merhynchites bicolor, which attacks the buds of

cultivated roses. Others, such as Rhynchites bacchus

and R. auratus develop inside stone fruits such as

apricots, cherries, and sloe berries, and are

regarded as minor pests.

nitens (Attelabinae). The “thief weevils” of

North America (Attelabinae: Pterocolini)

show similar behavior

The female then cuts off the supply of nutrients to

the leaf, so it begins to wither and die, and the larva

is able to feed on the dying leaf, while protected

from predators, parasites, and desiccation inside the

leaf roll. Some attelabines roll numerous leaves on

the same tree, making it look like the tree is covered

with small fruits. The leaf rolls are distinct, and

it is often possible to recognize which species of

attelabid has constructed them.

left | Apoderus

This is a species

from Malaysia,

but similar-looking

Apoderini occur

worldwide. Most

of them make tight,

cigar-shaped rolls from

the leaves of a single

species of tree.

below | Byctiscus betulae

This beautiful European

species is not very

host-specific and

rolls the leaves of

multiple species

of trees and shrubs.

It can be a pest

of grapevines.

opposite | Trachelophorus giraffa

This large, red and black species shows

marked allometric growth of the head

and thorax, and the elongated neck

(hence the name Giraffe Weevil) is used

in competitions between males.