Common Leaf Weevil - Phyllobius pyri
5 to 7 mm. The legs are reddish brown with a strong leg tooth. The elytra are coppery in fresh specimens becoming blacker with age and have a ribbed appearance. This is the only Phyllobius species that has blade-like ridges on its tibiae.
The large leg tooth, pale legs and the sharp edge to the tibiae help to distinguish this species. If found in trees it also helps to separate it from other Phyllobius weevils many of which live in lower herbaceous vegetation.
See the ID Aids below.

Phyllobius is a genus of broad-nosed weevils that are commonly found on low herbage and in trees during spring and summer. Most are covered in metallic green scales that give them a very attractive appearance. There are 9 species and most look similar but they can be separated by carefully comparing the range of features shown in the table below, either under a binocular microscope or with a x20 hand-lens.
Phyllobius weevils can be distinguished from the similar genus Polydrusus by looking where the antennae emerge from the rostrum. In Phyllobius the antennae emerge from the top whilst in Polydrusus they are positioned at the side. When looking directly down on the beetle it is usually clear to see.
Found on a range of trees and shrubs in parks, gardens and woodland edge.
Best May and June.
One of the most common broad-nosed weevils it is widespread in Britain.
Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 86 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015