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Small Nettle Weevil
ExploreInsects
Small Nettle Weevil
Nedyus quadrimaculatus
The Small Nettle Weevil is a tiny bug that loves to munch on nettles. With its long snout and small size, it’s a fun little creature to discover in nature!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Small Nettle Weevil is a tiny, oval-shaped beetle with a dark grey to black body, often appearing reddish-brown. It has a distinctive, slender curved snout and is covered in fine, textured scales. Its small size and muted colours allow it to blend well among nettle foliage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyCurculionidaeGenusNedyus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being small, they are super important for keeping nettle plants in check!
Its larvae live *inside* nettle stems, munching safely hidden away from danger!
They often play dead by dropping from plants if disturbed, a clever trick!
This tiny beetle has a built-in "straw" (its snout) for sipping plant juices!
Special abilities
Ability
Rostrum Drill
Small Nettle Weevil has a long, pointed snout that helps them pierce tough plant stems to feed on sap and juices.
Ability
Leaf Camouflage
Small Nettle Weevil can blend perfectly with nettle plants because of its textured, dark body, helping them hide from predators.
Ability
Hidden Nursery
Small Nettle Weevil lays eggs inside nettle stems, providing a safe, food-filled home for their developing young.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 5-7 mm
- Size
- 2-2.8 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-120 days
- Flight Speed
- 1 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This weevil is a vegetarian, munching on leaves and stems of nettle plants with its special snout.
Age differences: Larvae feed inside plant stems and roots; adults eat leaves and stems.
Primary Foods
- Urtica dioica leaves
- Urtica dioica stems
- Urtica dioica roots
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
Weevils feed on the leaves and stems of nettle plants.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Small birds hunt weevils for a protein-rich meal.
eaten by
European Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus
Spiders capture weevils in their webs for food.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful around nettles, as they can sting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Small Nettle Weevil's wingspan?
5-7 mm
How big is Small Nettle Weevil?
2-2.8 mm
How long does Small Nettle Weevil live?
60-120 days
How fast can Small Nettle Weevil fly?
1 km/h
What does Small Nettle Weevil eat?
This weevil is a vegetarian, munching on leaves and stems of nettle plants with its special snout.
Where is Small Nettle Weevil usually found?
Grasslands
How does Small Nettle Weevil hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Small Nettle Weevil have?
6
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