Common Leaf Weevil - Phyllobius pyri

Description

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.

Similar Species

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.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • 4.7-7.5mm
  • All femora toothed
  • Pale brown linear scales on elytra
  • Legs + antenna red/brown
  • All tibia with sharp ridge on ext margin
Identification aids

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.

phyllobius ID

 

Recording advice

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.

Habitat

Found on a range of trees and shrubs in parks, gardens and woodland edge.

When to see it

Best May and June.

UK Status

One of the most common broad-nosed weevils it is widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Common Leaf Weevil
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Curculionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
36
First record:
23/06/1979 (Don Goddard)
Last record:
15/05/2024 (Pugh, Dylan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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