Small Nettle Weevil (Nedyus quadrimaculatus)

One of only three known species in the genus Nedyus, and the only one found in Europe.

In the UK it is widespread and common other than in the west country, where records are sparse.

Usually found on nettles, where they can be particularly abundant in the spring if you look closely enough, they can be found through to the first prolonged cold snaps of the autumn, Some adults however, will successfully overwinter and even survive through a second winter.

Mating takes place in early spring, eggs deposited through to early July, and new generation adults appear in the late summer.

Superficially similar to another weevil, 'Parethelcus pollinarius' also found on nettles, distinctive white spots on either side of the elytra, seen in the photo above, is usually enough to separate the two, along with other more subtle differences.

Neither measure more than 3mm in length.