Broad nosed weevils
The Broad nosed weevils RES Handbook covers the 106 species of Britain and Ireland. This is the first comprehensive treatment of broad-nosed weevils (also called ‘short-nosed weevils’) since 1891.
The group is formally defined as the subfamily Entiminae of the family Curculionidae. This volume features illustrated keys to the tribes, genera and species of Entiminae. These keys lead to the species notes, covering the biology, larval foodplants (where known), distribution in Great Britain and Ireland plus zoogeographic range. Also indicated are the ‘Red Data Book’ species.
In addition, the volume includes the following.
- Checklist of tribes, genera and species.
- Brief introduction to the biology, life history, phenology, economic importance and conservation of the group as a whole.
- Line drawings of many species, plus details of confirmatory characters.
Although British broad-nosed weevils vary in form and size, all possess a short and broad rostrum. Many species are only minor pests of field and plantation crops and of forest trees. Only a few species are of greater economic importance. Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Vine Weevil) and O. singularis (Clay-coloured Weevil) are the most important pest species. Both of these attack indoor plants, as well as those growing outdoors. The unexpected demise of favourite house plants may be a consequence of root damage through larval feeding. Several other species of Otiorhynchus cause damage to soft- and top- fruits. In contrast, in forestry, the most important pest among thr broad leaved weevils is Otiorhynchus singularis, which attacks both regenerating and mature trees in grassy situations. In the genus Sitona, the Pea Leaf Weevil (S. lineatus) attacks crops such as field beans.
RES Handbook vol 5 part 17a
