Pachyrhinus lethierryi

Pachyrhinus lethierryi

Description

3.6 - 4.5mm. Usually bright green due to oval scales and with a domed head and wide-set eyes. It has a bare ridge across the rostrum between the eyes.

Variety lostiae has a differently coloured head due to golden or pinkish scales. It is an infrasubspecific variety (i.e. one that has no real populational meaning) and as such it is not regulated by the ICZN (Zoological Nomenclature) code.

Similar Species

There are many other broad-nosed weevils that are of similar size with green scales (Phyllobius, Polydrusus), however the domed head and bare ridge on the rostrum between the eyes and diagnostic of Pachyrhinus.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • 3.6 - 4.5mm
  • domed and broad head giving it a 'teddy bear' look
  • oval scales - green to grey
  • semi-erect hairs
  • bare ridge across the rostrum between the eye sockets
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, photographic evidence is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used. Note the beetle's size and describe the identifying characters. It is advisable to retain the specimen in case further checks are needed.

Habitat

Often found around evergreens of the Cypress fir family particularly Leyland Cypress, (Cupressus x leylandii) , and therefore often turns up in gardens and parks where these are present.

When to see it

Spring and summer.

UK Status

Pachyrhinus lethierryi was first found in the UK in 2003 and has spread rapidly north since.

VC55 Status

Increasingly common in Leicestershire and Rutland though probably under recorded.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records