Malvapion malvae

1.8 to 2.4 mm.  The mostly orange elytra, yellow legs and dense pubescence gives this species a unique appearance. Head, thorax and base of elytra shining black with dense light yellow pubescence. Rostrum cylindrical, pubescent almost to apex in male, to around antennal insertions in female. Female rostrum longer. Antennae orange, darker apically and inserted near base of rostrum. Elytral striae well impressed, interstices flat and finely rugose. Dark basal colour often extending along suture and lateral edge. Mid and hind tibiae with weak terminal spurs in male. Claws strongly toothed at base.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size, and the host plant you found it on, in the comments box.

Usually found on Mallows and best searched for on Mallow plants that occur on waste ground or road verges.

April to July.

The larvae develop in the fruits of Mallows.

Widespread in England and Wales.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.