A face only a mother could love
Meet the Avocado Weevil (Heilipus apiatus). I spotted him (her?) on a dried grass stalk back in May 2012. I don’t have avocados (at least not planted) but I do have Red Bay, which is a Florida native in the same genus (Persea spp.) Note that avocado is an exotic. There is also indication that this weevil will munch on new growth of sassafras and under Pine Bark.
Weevils are a type of beetle. They have long “snouts”, so fittingly they are in the Curculionidae Family and the common name is “snout beetle”. Clever eh?
It has funky antenna
The gentleman over at bugguide.net that identified my friend seemed rather enamoured with this species:
“One of the most spectacular weevils in Florida. It breeds in Persea.”
A lot of people get up in arms at the thought of weevils, likely because of one weevil that just happened to decimate cotton crops. The cotton boll weevil got all the press and none of it good. Granted, weevils aren’t much to look at, but not all of these Jimmy Durante looking guys are bad.
According to the University of Florida Entomology Department:
“Many weevil species are specialized in feeding habits: adults and larvae feed on plants of one genus (or a few species of one genus), or sometimes on plants of one family. Very many plant species are attacked by weevils, but relatively few weevil species are considered pests: this is because only those weevil species that feed on plants of economic importance and cause significant damage are considered pests. Most weevil species are innocuous because they have low populations and feed on plants of no particular consequence to humans. Some species are beneficial because they feed on plants that humans consider being weeds. Some weevil species are highly beneficial because they have been used in biological control of important weeds.”
Further:
“576 weevil species are known from Florida, of which 526 are native, and a few of them are pests. Among the 50 species of foreign origin, 5 were introduced deliberately as biological control agents of weeds.”
Some specifically control hydrilla, waterhyacinth, waterlettuce, and watermilfoil some of Florida’s worst invasive lake weeds. One species was introduced to Florida from Australia to control invasive melaleuca trees in south Florida.
There is enough Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius) in my garden that a little lunch by weevils isn’t a problem
I found this other species of weevil on some fleabane. This guy (gal?) is likely Odontocorynus spp. possibly umbellae since adults in that genus feed on flowers of herbaceous plants, particularly Common Mullein, and various daisies and sunflowers.
Besides, they share with syrphid flies
Some weevils eat seeds, thereby keeping plants that are prolific seeders in check.
Weevils are eaten by birds, including Yellow-rumped Warblers yet another good point of having some of the countless numbers of weevil species. Sometimes you just have to take the bad with the good.
Save the date:
Besides a HUGE Native Plant Sale, FANN’s First National Native Plant Trade Show starts on April 4th
© 2013, Loret T. Setters. All rights reserved. This article is the property of BeautifulWildlifeGarden.com If you are reading this at another site, please report that to us
About Loret T. Setters
I think it’s a beautiful creature. I wonder how the coloring serves her life cycle? Camouflage does not seem to be one of her requirements. Great photos!
Thanks Ruth! Interesting point on the camouflage coloring. Perhaps it has plans to be a concert pianist?
The one link says that the white are scales and that they can be rubbed off. Readying itself for an F-sharp or B-flat?
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Mountains in Florida?
Have to disagree on the concert pianist comment. I’m thinking more like reincarnating into a penguin.
I’m sure your followers must think my comments are disrespectful, but YOU know I’m just toying with you. Keep up the good writing my friend.
hmmmm…but penguins aren’t native to Florida. Rid all penguins in Florida!! Invasive species!!
LOL
a Penguin….how FORMAL! I can see that weevil in a silk bow tie
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Mountains in Florida?
That is one handsome weevil Loret. That’s fascinating they’re used for biological control.
Heather recently posted..Ten Great Native Plants for Dry, Sandy Soils
I agree Heather (maybe not on the handsome part). I always viewed weevils as evil until this guy showed up forcing me to do some research.
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Mountains in Florida?
Great photos and information, Loret. So easy to overlook our insects, their beauty and the part they play in our more-than-human world. Thanks for sharing.
Betty Hall recently posted..Early signs of spring?
Thanks Betty! I’m a big bug advocate, now that I learned how important they are to our existance.
Loret T. Setters recently posted..Mountains in Florida?
So true, Loret, insects are such an important part of the environment and so often overlooked by us too busy humans. Your photos make them come into focus. Just one question: how did you know this weevil was a musician?
kathy recently posted..Sycamores to the Rescue
…I just love the word “weevil.” weeeeeevil! Weeeeeeevuhl! It’s an excellent word.
UrsulaV recently posted..The Madness Is Upon Me
Loret he is quite a bug…I did not know about weevils and the difference…fascinating bug.
Donna@Gardens Eye View recently posted..Seasonal Celebrations-Spring Fever 2013