Bill mark

Found this Genus here in Exmouth Western Australia approximately 19 FEB 2015.Was on our patio wall attracted to the light I think.
Great photo perfectly shows off the metallic sheen,well done Neil.

http://www.naturespot.org.uk/content/id-...
Is UK site but it has some great info on Phyllobius and Polydrusus weevil
antennae emerge from top of the rostrum for Phyllobius and the sides for Polydrusus,it also distinguishes species of Phyllobius that do not have a front Femoral tooth.Hope it helps nice photo Similar weevil we have here is
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48991563@N...

Below is a link to an article at the Victoria Museum,it has a good deal of info on these insects.
http://museumvictoria.com.au/caughtandco...
http://www.flickr.com/groups/aus_lepidop...
http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?w=8...

Thanks Martin,most flattered you would refer our site for extra info.I agree Martin It looks like a case moth cocoon.I cant tell you a great deal about there life cycle or the adult but i do have some interesting snippets regarding my own observations.One is that these temporary homes are mobile and the caterpillar can extend its body well over half way out of the cocoon to drag its home to another branch or safer position.Another fascinating thing with these insects is the silk they build these cocoons from is unbelievably strong,I think it may be even stronger than the well known silk worms silk.The silk can not be torn by hand and it is very hard to cut even with scissors.I have not come across anything here that matches the strength of there thread.
My compliments on Project Noah it rocks.