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Gum Tree Weevil beetle larva

Gonipterus sp

Photo by Leuba Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This fat, slightly spikey, pinkish-cream larva was seen on a leaf stalk.

Habitat:

Young Eucalyptus tree - ? species

Notes:

This larva was incorrectly identified as the final instar of a Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle larva.
My thanks to martinl for correcting this. After much investigation I agree that this is the larva of a Eucalyptus Weevil similar the one in my next spotting. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/43693188
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?client=ubuntu&sa=X&channel=cs&biw=1024&…

Family: Curculionidae

Reference Links:

Google Image Result for http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/5167024.jpg

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Leuba Ridgway
Martin, I agree that this is a weevil larva and not that of a Chrysomelid beetle. Have amended the record. Thanks for your help with this.
Leuba Ridgway
I will be looking for weevil larvae but in this information from SA Forestry the final instar does appear to be almost colourless with no black extremities http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry/forest_health/forest_health_fact_sheets/factSheets/chrysomelid_beetles Will keep looking....
Leuba Ridgway
Thanks martin. The Gonipterus larvae were always a bright lime green. i thought that the black ends probably disappeared just before pupation. However, you've got a point; I might look at other weevil larvae. I did see a eucalyptus weevil on one of the trees ( yet to be loaded). Thanks for that.
MartinL
I saw this one too but didn't post it yet. Its a weevil larva and you will recognise it now that I've mentioned it. I saw these on the same tree and I think there is some mimicry going on between these species as they are similar but our 'apple' Paropsis has black ends. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/16545252

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Beetles of Southeastern Australia

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 12, 2013

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