Sciaphilus asperatus, Strawberry Root Weevil

Common Name: Strawberry Root Weevil

A weevil is any beetle from the Curculionoidea superfamily. They are usually small, less than 6 millimetres (0.24 in), and herbivorous. There are over 60,000 species in several families, mostly in the family Curculionidae (the true weevils).

Sciaphilus asperatus, more commonly known as the Strawberry Root Weevil, is 4.5-5.5 mm in length, has a very short, blunt-tipped snout, no longer than its head; a light brown to reddish-brown body with extensive black speckling and scattered white scales.

The elytra have black punctate striations and short erect hairs; the brown surface scales often become rubbed off, revealing black ground color in places, giving a "black-scratched" appearance.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.