Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Atlas Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Knapweed Gall Weevil Atlas Longhorn
Scientific Name Bangasternus fausti Macrotoma palmata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Cerambycidae
Size 4-6 mm 40-65 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Gall Makers Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, Central Asia West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Knapweed Gall Weevil

A weevil that induces galls in knapweed flower heads. Larvae develop inside the enlarged flower buds. Used in biological control of invasive knapweeds in North America.

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Did You Know?

Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.

Atlas Longhorn

A large prionine beetle from tropical Africa with palmate (comb-like) antennae in males. The body is dark brown with a robust build. Larvae develop in large fallen trunks of savanna trees.

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Did You Know?

The elaborate comb-like antennae of males are thought to detect female pheromones with extreme sensitivity.