# Otiorhynchus

Otiorhynchus, also known as the black vine weevil, is a small beetle that loves to munch on plants. They have long snouts and are often found in gardens, where they can be a bit pesky!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens

![Otiorhynchus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Otiorhynchus_sulcatus_23-8-2007_20-10-41.JPG&width=800)

Photo: Opuntia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Otiorhynchus_sulcatus_23-8-2007_20-10-41.JPG)

## Appearance

The Otiorhynchus is typically a dull black, brown, or grey beetle, often covered in fine scales or bristles that give it a textured, matte appearance. It has a distinctive short, broad snout, unlike many other beetles, and lacks visible hind wings for flight.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Coleoptera
- **Family:** Curculionidae
- **Genus:** Otiorhynchus

## Interesting facts

- Many Otiorhynchus cannot fly; they travel by walking or hitching rides!
- Some Otiorhynchus species are all female, so they don't need males to have babies!
- These beetles can damage plants by chewing tiny notches along leaf edges!
- They can walk for miles at night, exploring new gardens while you sleep!

## Special abilities

- **Super Survivor:** Otiorhynchus can reproduce without a mate, laying eggs that hatch into clones because many species are all female.
- **Armored Body:** Otiorhynchus has an extra-hard exoskeleton that protects it from predators and helps it survive falls and impacts.
- **Night Walker:** Otiorhynchus can feed mostly at night because their dark coloration helps them blend into shadows.
- **Clever Mimic:** Otiorhynchus can fake its own death by remaining perfectly still because this makes predators lose interest.

## Measurements & details

- **Size:** 3-15 mm
- **Lifespan:** 365-730 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

These beetles munch on leaves and roots of many different plants.

- **Age differences:** Larvae feed on plant roots underground, while adults chew on leaves above ground.
- **Primary Foods:** Strawberry leaves, Rhododendron leaves, Cyclamen roots, Primrose roots, Grape vines
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Blackbird (*Turdus merula*) — Birds like blackbirds are common predators of adult Otiorhynchus.
- **Eats:** [Violet Ground Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/violet-ground-beetle) (*Carabus violaceus*) — Some ground beetles prey on Otiorhynchus larvae and adults.
- **Parasitizes:** Beneficial Nematode (*Heterorhabditis bacteriophora*) — Tiny worms can parasitize and kill Otiorhynchus larvae in the soil.

## Traits

- [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Don't touch insects without asking an adult, as some can bite or sting.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Otiorhynchus?

Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How big is Otiorhynchus?

3-15 mm

### How long does Otiorhynchus live?

365-730 days

### What does Otiorhynchus eat?

These beetles munch on leaves and roots of many different plants.

### Where is Otiorhynchus usually found?

Gardens

### How does Otiorhynchus hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does Otiorhynchus have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Otiorhynchus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/otiorhynchus)