Nettle Root Weevil vs Glowworm Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Root Weevil Glowworm Beetle
Scientific Name Phyllobius virideaeris Phengodes plumosa
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Phengodidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-30 mm (female)
Habitat Hedgerows Farmland
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Nettle Root Weevil

A bright green-scaled weevil found on nettles and other vegetation in spring. Extremely common but the scales wear off with age revealing black cuticle. Adults chew leaf edges.

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Did You Know?

Fresh specimens are brilliant metallic green, but old worn individuals look like completely different black beetles.

Glowworm Beetle

A soft-bodied beetle whose larviform females glow with paired green lanterns along their body. Males are winged but do not glow.

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Did You Know?

Unlike fireflies, the female never develops wings and retains a larva-like form throughout life.