Plants like sunflowers, cocklebur, and ragweed are attractive to Cocklebur Weevils. Each long red and black weevil has a black oval-shaped spot on the middle of its pronotum and several black dots on the wing coverings. The amount of black on the lower half of the wing coverings varies with some individuals showing a large blob, while others look like they were dipped in black ink. All have the trademark 'snout' or 'nose' on the face that is common with most weevils. This type of beetle uses that long rostrum to chew into plants. Their feeding habit leaves plant stems with dry patches, but they seem insignificant to plant health when only a few are present. Cocklebur Weevils prefer to remain unseen and hide in curled leaves and behind stems and flowers when they perceive they are being watched.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns.
Territorial Map U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Alaska
Hawaii
Prince Edward Is.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used for sensing.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: red; black
