Redbud Seed Weevil
ExploreInsects
Redbud Seed Weevil
gibbobruchus mimus
The Redbud Seed Weevil is a tiny bug that loves to munch on redbud seeds. It has a unique shape that makes it look like a little nut!
Habitat: Redbud Seed Weevils live in areas with redbud trees, like forests and gardens.
Appearance
The Redbud Seed Weevil is a tiny, stout-bodied beetle, usually dark reddish-brown to black, with a rounded shape. It has a distinctive short, broad snout, unlike the longer, thinner snouts of many other weevils. Its body often appears slightly hairy, helping it blend in.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusGibbobruchus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult weevils chew a tiny, neat escape hole to emerge from inside the redbud seeds!
Its babies, called larvae, eat and grow entirely hidden inside a single redbud seed!
These tiny beetles are specifically adapted to feed *only* on redbud tree seeds.
They can sometimes damage over 90% of a redbud tree's seeds in a single year!
Special abilities
Ability
Precision Planter
Redbud Seed Weevils can lay their eggs directly inside developing redbud seeds, ensuring a safe, food-rich nursery for their larvae.
Ability
Seed Shredder
Its strong mandibles help the larva chew through the tough seed coat from the inside, allowing it to emerge.
Ability
Tiny Disguise
Its dark, mottled coloration helps the Redbud Seed Weevil blend in with bark and seeds, hiding it from predators.
Ability
Scent Seeker
Redbud Seed Weevils can detect chemical cues from redbud trees, guiding them to the right host plant.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-6 mm
- Size
- 2-3 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-60 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on redbud seeds from the inside; adults may snack on nectar.
Age differences: Larvae consume redbud seeds; adults may feed on nectar and pollen.
Primary Foods
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) seeds
- Nectar
- Pollen
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Larvae develop and consume nutrients from its seeds.
eaten by
Carolina Chickadee
Parus carolinensis
Many small birds forage for adult weevils on plants.
parasitizes
Parasitic Wasp
Eupelmus cyaniceps
Tiny wasps lay eggs on or in weevil larvae, consuming them.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Nut WeevilRedbud WeevilSeed Weevil
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Redbud Seed Weevil's wingspan?
4-6 mm
How big is Redbud Seed Weevil?
2-3 mm
How long does Redbud Seed Weevil live?
20-60 days
What does Redbud Seed Weevil eat?
Larvae munch on redbud seeds from the inside; adults may snack on nectar.
Where is Redbud Seed Weevil usually found?
Redbud Seed Weevils live in areas with redbud trees, like forests and gardens.
How does Redbud Seed Weevil hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Redbud Seed Weevil have?
6
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