curculionid

Curculionidae is the largest family of beetles, commonly known as weevils or snout beetles. This diverse group is characterized by a distinctive elongated snout, or rostrum, which is a modification of the head. At the tip of the rostrum are chewing mouthparts. Weevils are found in nearly all terrestrial habitats worldwide, except for Antarctica. They exhibit a wide range of sizes and appearances, though the presence of the rostrum is a defining feature.

The life cycle of most weevils involves complete metamorphosis, with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larvae are typically legless and grub-like, often feeding on plant material, either internally within stems, roots, or seeds, or externally. Adult weevils also feed on plants, with their diet varying greatly depending on the species. Some species are considered significant agricultural pests due to the damage they inflict on crops, such as the boll weevil on cotton or the rice weevil on stored grains. Conversely, many species play roles in natural ecosystems as herbivores, and some are even used for biological control of invasive plants. Their ecological importance and economic impact make them a subject of continued study.