COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > CURCULIONOIDEA > Curculionidae

Continuing with the Entiminae (broad-nosed weevils), all the remaining species that I've managed to photograph from this subfamily are within either the Phyllobiini or Polydrusini tribe.

These two closely related tribes - loosely referred to as the 'familiar green weevils' - include a total of 23 species. In Phyllobiini there is just a single genus, Phyllobius with ten species. In Polydrusini there are three genera, Liophloeus with one species, Pachyrhinus with two, and Polydrusus with ten.

My current tally at the time of writing is eight species, which I was a little bit disappointed with until I looked at the distribution data on the NBN Atlas. I expected to see plenty of records for these particular weevils, but was surprised by how few had been recorded. I will confirm my findings on the next page - as I have the space to do so - as the information is interesting and, although the data is only indicative based on the records received, it does provide a rough guideline in terms of the species that have been officially recorded in the area and a feel for which ones are more likely to be see.

Although they're certainly not all green, most of the more common species are until their scales start to rub off. Their bright green colour when fresh makes them conspicuous and, as such, makes them a popular 'species' to observe and photograph despite the previous comments.

In respect of identification, the first job is to establish whether the individual in question is a Phyllobius weevil or a member of the Polydrusini tribe. Separating green Phyllobius and Polydrusus weevils is by the position of the antennal insertion on head. The difference is best seen when viewed from above, but in all the Phyllobius species the sockets are rounded, likened to a pig-snout as referred to on the previous page, and exposed, whereas in Polydrusus they are variably slotted and mostly hidden appearing slit-like.

More generally, these species together with Pachyrhinus are described as having wing-cases with rather straight sides and square shoulders, and a short, straight or slightly tapering, rostrum. Beyond those standard characters species can be identified by a combination of specific features relating to the scales which, as previously noted may not be that clear in photos, and whether or not the front femora are toothed. Size, visual appearance and, to some degree, habitat also come into play.

Without getting into detail regarding identification, two of the common Phyllobius species require further comment - if only as a reminder for me. Importantly, it should be noted that Phyllobius pomaceus has distinctly less-rounded antennal sockets that are more hidden from above, which could lead to initial confusion with Polydrusus. The species is also quite variable in appearance, which is why I've included some extra photos showing the usual blue-green colouration as well as an individual that is yellow-green, another that is not dissimilar but is rather worn, and a couple of others, including a mating pair, that are more of a standard green colour. Phyllobius pyri is also variably coloured, often more coppery-red than green, a bit like the worn individual featured below.

My latest addition to this page is Phyllobius roboretanus, a small species with a very steeply curved rear when viewed from the side, and no tooth on the front femurs. It is one of the most frequently recorded Phyllobius from my general area.

In addition to the aforementioned Polydrusus species, I've included Polydrusus formosus and Pachyrhinus lethierryi to keep the 'green' species together. On checking the distribution data of these species, as confirmed on the following page, I was very surprised to find that Pachyrhinus lethierryi had never been officially recorded from either Dorset or South Hampshire when I last looked a couple of years ago.  

The three 'brown' species that I've photographed are featured on the next page.

Updated, Jan.25 (v.3)