Protapion trifolii

Alternative names
Lesser Clover Seed Weevil
Apion aestivum
Description

Body length, 1.7 to 2.1 mm, not including the head. Body, antennae, and tarsi are black. Fore coxae and trochanters are reddish or dark-reddish, distinctly darker than femora. Femora yellow-reddish. Mid and hind tibiae are black or dark-brown; fore tibia is lighter. There are other quite similar species and identification under magnification is necessary.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • 1.7-2.1mm
  • Front coxae yellow
  • Mid + hind tibia black
  • Mid + hind trochanters black
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

Grassland where clover is present.

When to see it

Mainly found from April to September.

UK Status

Most records seem to come from the southern half of Britain although it is recorded from as far north as the Scottish Islands.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent 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
Red Clover Seed Weevil, Clover Seed Weevil [Protapion trifolii]
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Apionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
5
First record:
17/05/2020 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
13/05/2024 (Calow, Graham)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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