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Orthorhimus cylindrirostris
Colour and size are extremely variable, with adults varying between 10 - 20 mm. Typically there's a tubercle on both sides of the pronotum, both elytron have two tubercles on the second interstices. The fifth interstices has similar tubercle on posterior declivity. A male's antennae are much closer to the apex of the rostrum, they also have longer forelegs than females. The three basal tarsal segments are more expanded. Females are less cylindrical, coarser and shorter than males.
Backyards surrounded by thick forests.
Elephant Weevils; Orthorhimus cylindrirostris is a species of Curculionidae. In Australia they are considered a major pest to wine companies.
Karen's suggestion is understandable - it is often hard to tell apart Molytinae subfamily (to which Elaphant Weevil belongs), and this group, the "Beak-hiders".
Unless you don't see the channel between anteriour leg bases for reception of the beak, there often remain doubtful cases.
When seen playing dead, it is rather easy. Cryptorhynchines are completely tucked: http://bugguide.net/node/view/544565
while Molytines (here: Elephant weevil), are not:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:...
The species I linked for reference is from Indonesia, but might belong in same genus as yours.
You’re likely to see one of these little creatures in a garden in Australia, particularly if the garden is surrounded by thick forest where they can feed on eucalyptus. However if you own a vineyard they won’t be a welcome visitor as they also feed on grape vines. https://upload.facebook.com/projectnoah/...
Spotted on May 7, 2014
Submitted on May 19, 2014
