Hylobius abietis
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 Hylobius abietis
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| Hylobius abietis (Linnaeus, 1758) |
Hylobius abietis is a beetle belonging to the family Curculionidae (the true weevils). It shares the common name pine weevil with the rarer Hylobius pinastri. This weevil is a common associate of conifers throughout Europe.
The adult is 10-13 mm in length, dark brown with patches of yellow or light brown hairs arranged in irregular rows. The legs are black or deep red with a distinctive tooth on the femur. This species is a serious pest of conifers, especially firs, pines and spruces, causing damage by eating the bark of young shoots thus preventing further growth. Adults can be found all year although they usually hibernate during the cold winter months.
The eggs are laid on the bark of rotting wood, usually tree stumps, the larva tunnelling into the wood to feed.
Hylobius abietis has the ability of attaching into human skin and wood, when attached into human skin, a heavy pressing is felt.
[edit] References
- Beetles in Colour, Leif Lyneborg (1976, Translated from Danish 1977) ISBN 0-7137-0827-1
- Guide to the Insects of Britain and Western Europe, Michael Chinery (1986, reprinted 1991) ISBN 0-00-219137-7
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