Jumping Weevil - Orchestes testaceus

Alternative names
Alder Flea Weevil
Alder Jumping Weevil
Description

The adult is 2.7 to 3.6 mm. The larva of Orchestes testaceus mines the leaves of Alder species. Initially a gallery is formed which runs towards the leaf edge from a vein or midrib. The gallery widens quickly and then becomes a blotch - a spherical cocoon develops in this. The mine is brown.

Identification difficulty

Adult Leafmine

Recording advice

Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Leafmine: Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features.

Habitat

On Alder.

When to see it

Early summer.

UK Status

Uncommon in Britain and a UKBAP species.

VC55 Status

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Jumping Weevil, Alder Flea Weevil
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Curculionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
4
First record:
03/06/2022 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
21/10/2024 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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