Strawberry Blossom Weevil - Anthonomus rubi

A small grey-black weevil around 2.5 to 3mm long with a tiny pale scutellum.

Archarius salicivorus looks very similar but has a more rounded appearance when viewed from above. Compare

Especially common around strawberry and raspberry crops.

This insect is a particularly problematic pest of strawberry in Europe, in some cases responsible for up to 80% loss of the berry crop. Adults feed on strawberry foliage, and females lay one egg per flower bud; larvae develop inside buds.

Common and widespread in England and Wales.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 23 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.