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Nettle weevil


Nettle weevil
Photo Information
Copyright: Gert Paassen (Gert-Paassen) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1220 W: 2 N: 4620] (13962)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-05-13
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D300
Exposure: f/18.0, 1/100 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-10-28 11:39
Viewed: 192
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [Dutch]
Today one from my archive.
I hope you like it.
Thanks for looking and critique.

Latin name - Phyllobius pomaceus

A weevil is any beetle from the Curculionoidea superfamily. They are usually small, less than 6 mm (¼ inch), and herbivorous. There are over 60,000 species in several families, mostly in the family Curculionidae (the true weevils). Some other beetles, although not closely related, bear the name "weevil", such as the biscuit weevil (Stegobium paniceum), which belongs to the family Anobiidae.

Many weevils are damaging to crops. The grain or wheat weevil (Sitophilus granarius) damages stored grain. The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) attacks cotton crops. It lays its eggs inside cotton bolls, and the young weevils eat their way out.

Weevils are often found in dry foods including nuts and seeds, cereal and grain products, such as pancake mix. In the domestic setting, they are most likely to be observed when a bag of flour is opened. Their presence is often indicated by the granules of the infested item sticking together in strings, as if caught in a cobweb. If ingested, E. coli infection and other various diseases can be contracted from weevils, depending on their diet.

Because there are so many species and such diversity, the higher classification of weevils is in a state of flux. Weevils are generally divided into two major divisions, the Orthoceri or primitive weevils, and the Gonatoceri or true weevils (Curculionidae). E. C. Zimmerman proposed a third division, the Heteromorphi, for several intermediate forms. Primitive weevils are distinguished by having straight antennae, while true weevils have elbowed (geniculate) antennae. The elbow occurs at the end of the scape (first antennal segment) in true weevils, and the scape is usually much longer than the other antennal segments. Some exceptions occur. Nanophyini are primitive weevils (with very long trochanters) but have long scapes and geniculate antennae. From the true weevils, Gonipterinae and Ramphus have short scapes and little or no elbow.

The most recent classification system to family level was provided by Kuschel with updates from Marvaldi et al.,and was achieved using phylogenetic analyses. The accepted families are the primitive weevils, Anthribidae, Attelabidae, Belidae, Brentidae, Caridae and Nemonychidae, and the true weevils Curculionidae. Most other weevil families were demoted to subfamilies or tribes. Weevil species radiation was shown to follow steps in plant evolution upon which the weevils feed.
marianas, nglen, roges, nasokoun, siggi, sandpiper2, Noisette has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2926 W: 34 N: 8678] (32334)
  • [2009-10-28 11:42]

Hi Gert. You have taken a fine close up of this little yellow weevil. From your eye level POV we cansee every little detail and marking. Even the leaf looks sharp. well done TFS.
Nick..

What a lovely little bug!
Great colors and details.
Congratulation!
Mariana

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 627 W: 0 N: 574] (3284)
  • [2009-10-28 12:08]

Hi Gert,
Een nieuwe macro superb! Prachtige kleuren met een briljant contrast.
Een aangename avond,
Adrian

hello Gert
splendid composition and background, very good the attribution of sharp colours!
TFS thanks for sharing
Nasos

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1392 W: 56 N: 4802] (16520)
  • [2009-10-28 13:56]

Hello Gert,
Wonderful close up.Well seen and composed.POV,sharpness,colors,details and composition are perfect.Very well done!
Thanks for posting.Best regards Siggi

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1982 W: 6 N: 5529] (19689)
  • [2009-10-28 14:49]

Hi Gert,what a perfect focus on the little insect! Fantastics metallics colors and very very beautiful composition,my best compliments,have a good night,Luciano

  • Great 
  • Ishi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 163 W: 0 N: 980] (3738)
  • [2009-10-28 23:20]

Hi Gert,

This is a beautiful "study in green".

Greetings from Eindhoven,

Ishi

Hello Gert,

An elegant composition, well worthy this beautiful fellow!
The colour palette is just right as the shades of green make a fine background for the golden insect...
Well done on the macro part, sharp fine details!

Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Gert

Great shot of this weevil on the end of a leaf. Excellent sharpness and DOF. Great background too.

Chris

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2419 W: 94 N: 5591] (17778)
  • [2009-10-29 9:53]

Hallo Gert,
Verrassend wat je te zien krijgt wanneer je deze foto opent. Indrukwekkend beestje in erg mooie kleuren die goed passen bij de omgeving. Zoals gebruikelijk uitstekende scherpte en details. Goede compositie keuze.
Groet,
Peter

Hello Gert
a very nice picture of this weevil with great metallic green body
superb pose on the top of this leaf
the whole image have underful green color tones
Have a good night
Jacqueline

  • Great 
  • Mello Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 52 W: 3 N: 119] (772)
  • [2009-10-29 19:47]

Hello Gert,
Brilliant close up with a lot of life. Perfect composition and amazing colours. TFS,
Francisco

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