Giraffe weevil

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iGiraffe Weevil
Giraffe weevil
Giraffe weevil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Curculionidae
Genus: Trachelophorus
Species: T. giraffa
Binomial name
Tracheophorus giraffa
Jekel, 1860

The giraffe weevil (Tracheophorus giraffa), native to Madagascar, derives its name from an extended neck much like that of the common giraffe. This unique adaptation assists in nest building, with the neck of the male typically being 2-3 times that of the female. When it comes time to breed, the father-to-be will roll and secure a leaf, at which point the female will lay a single egg within the tube. Known to grow up to 3 inches (80mm) in length, the giraffe weevil is among the largest in the weevil family. The giraffe weevil was discovered by Nancy Akin, a school principal.