Rhamphus pulicarius

Rhamphus pulicarius

Description

A small black weevil 1.4 to 2 mm, with heavily punctured elytra.  Short broad mines are formed by the larva, most often on sallows.  The larva is small, squat, and yellow or orange in colour, with a dark head, and mines sallow, poplar or ocasionally birch leaves, in a short, broad gallery becoming a blotch; often pear-shaped.

Similar Species

Several species of moths also mine leaves of sallows, birch and poplar

Identification difficulty

Adult Mine

Recording advice

Adult: 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.  Mine: provide a good backlit photograph that shows the larva inside the mine, and state the host plant.

Habitat

Where the larval foodplants - Birch, Willow, and Poplar - occur.

When to see it

The larval mines can be seen from August to October.

Life History

The larva feed on Birch, Willow, and Poplar producing a mine in the leaves. 

UK Status

Widespread, particularly in the southern half of Britain.

VC55 Status

Only occasionally recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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