Acorn Weevil - Curculio glandium

Length 4 to 8 mm. The most striking feature of the acorn weevil is its elongated snout, known as a 'rostrum', which is longer in females than males. Adults have a brownish and patterned body. Wevils in this genus can be hard to tell apart. C. glandium has 3 segments in the bulbous end of its antennae whereas C. nucum has 4 segments.

Curculio nucum and Curculio glandium are very similar but can be distinguished by the shape of the antennal club. C. glandium (on the left) has a narrower and more tapered club than C. nucum (on the right).

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Lives in Oak trees.

Peaking in summer and autumn.

The female uses the long rostrum (snout) to bore into the centre of an acorn to lay her egg. The larva feeds within the acorn and eventually bores its way out. The larvae are short, and cylindrical in shape, and move by means of ridges on the underside of the body.

Relatively common, particularly in the south of Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.