Hypera meles

A medium-sized, 3.9 to 4.8 mm, weevil with strongly rounded pronotum and parallel-sided elytra, usually showing a light and dark brown elytral pattern which may vary in intensity.

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.

Flower rich meadows, especially where clovers are plentiful.

Adults become active during warm days in April, after a period of feeding they mate on stems and leaves of host plants, mostly Red or White Clover, but will also utilise several other species. New generation adults contribute to a peak in abundance during mid-summer but during the warmest times they enter the soil to aestivate and become active again for a while during September and October before entering the soil to overwinter.

Adults overwinter in the soil.

It is locally common in England north to south Yorkshire. It was formerly considered as rare but there seems to have been a recent increase in abundance.

Infrequently recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.