Clover Root Weevil
ExploreInsects
Clover Root Weevil
sitona obsoletus
Meet the Clover Root Weevil (Sitona obsoletus), a tiny but highly influential insect that has made a name for itself in pastures and fields worldwide. Originally native to Europe, this small beetle has traveled globally, frequently establishing itself in places like New Zealand, where it poses a significant challenge to agricultural systems. This species is famous for its strict association with clover plants, which it relies on for both food and shelter throughout its life cycle. While adults munch on the leaves, leaving distinctive notches, their underground larvae feast on the vital nitrogen-fixing nodules of clover roots, disrupting the plant's ability to enrich the soil. Despite its reputation as an agricultural pest, the Clover Root Weevil is a fascinating subject of study in insect behavior, chemical ecology, and biological control.
Habitat: Found in temperate grasslands, agricultural pastures, lawns, and meadows where clover species are abundant.
Appearance
The Clover Root Weevil is a small, robust beetle measuring between 4 and 6 millimeters in length. It features a short, broad snout typical of broad-nosed weevils and is covered in fine, overlapping scales that give it a dull grayish-brown or slightly copper-colored appearance. Running down its back, subtle lighter stripes can sometimes be seen under magnification. Its legs are relatively short and dark, and its body shape is slender and oblong, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the soil, plant litter, or foliage where it feeds and rests.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCurculionidaeGenusSitona
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Female Clover Root Weevils can lay up to 800 eggs during their lifetime, scattering them loosely on the soil near clover plants.
In New Zealand, the introduction of the parasitoid wasp Microctonus aethiopoides has successfully helped control this pest, saving the farming industry millions of dollars.
Their larval feeding on clover root nodules disrupts the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing relationship between the plant and Rhizobium bacteria, drastically reducing soil fertility.
Special abilities
Ability
Nodule Targeting
Larvae selectively locate and burrow into the nitrogen-fixing nodules of clover roots, consuming the plant's nutrient reserves.
Ability
Thanatosis
When threatened, adult weevils pull in their legs and drop to the ground, feigning death to blend in with soil debris.
Ability
Notch Chewing
Adults possess specialized mouthparts that allow them to efficiently slice characteristic scalloped notches out of clover leaf margins.
Measurements & details
- Weight
- 0.000005+ kg
- Lifespan
- 1+ years
- Clutch Size
- 100300+
- Incubation
- 10+ days
Diet & Feeding
Adults feed exclusively on the foliage of clover and other legumes, while larvae consume the root systems and nitrogen-fixing nodules underground.
Primary Foods
- White Clover
- Red Clover
- Subterranean Clover
- Alsike Clover
Foraging Method
- Grazing Dietchangeswithage
Ecological connections
host plant
White Clover
Trifolium repens
Primary larval and adult food source, which suffers root and leaf damage from infestation.
parasite
Microctonus aethiopoides
Microctonus aethiopoides
A parasitoid wasp introduced to control the weevil population by laying eggs inside adult weevils.
host plant
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
An alternative food plant frequently damaged by adult and larval feeding.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Clover Root Weevil?
The easiest way to identify Clover Root Weevil is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How much does Clover Root Weevil weigh?
0.000005+ kg
How long does Clover Root Weevil live?
1+ years
What does Clover Root Weevil eat?
Adults feed exclusively on the foliage of clover and other legumes, while larvae consume the root systems and nitrogen-fixing nodules underground.
Where is Clover Root Weevil usually found?
Found in temperate grasslands, agricultural pastures, lawns, and meadows where clover species are abundant.
How does Clover Root Weevil hunt?
Grazing Dietchangeswithage
How many eggs does Clover Root Weevil lay?
100300+
How long do Clover Root Weevil eggs take to hatch?
10+ days
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
