Figwort Weevil - Cionus scrophulariae

This weevil has a grey or blackish body with a patterned ribbed appearance and dark spots on the elytra. The head and thorax are pale.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box.

Around the foodplants Figwort and Mullein

When disturbed the adult drops from the plant and is well camouflaged as a crumb of soil. The slug-shaped larvae are covered in very shiny, sticky 'glue', resembling a droplet of tar. This is very distasteful to both potential predators and parasites.

Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain with fewer records from the north.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.