Willow Gall Weevil - Archarius salicivorus

Length: head and body (not the curved snout) 2.5 mm. A black weevil with tapered body, long snout with antennae midway along, black rostrum and antennae. Also known as Curculio salicivorus.

Anthonomus rubi (Strawberry Blossom Weevil) looks very similar but is less rounded when viewed from above. See ID Aids below.

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.

On Willow.

Spring and summer.

Lays eggs in sawfly galls on Willow where the young weevils predate the larvae of the gall causer.

Common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 34 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.