A Cramp-Ball Fungus Weevil (Platyrhinus resinosus)

Despite there being 10 genera in the family Anthribidae the whole family consists of just 11 species in the UK, this being the only member of the genus Platyrhinus, although some of you might recognise a resemblance to Platystomos albinus I have featured previously?

Also going by the names King Alfred’s Cakes Weevil or Scarce Fungus weevil, it might not be a surprise to learn this is both a scarce (Nationally notable B) species and seemingly associated with the fungus 'Daldinia concentrica' known as either the Cramp-ball or King Alfred's fungus, within which the larvae develop.

The largest weevil in its family with a length of up to 15mm this is mainly a southern UK species, widespread but local. with habitats that include woodland, copses, hedgerows, gardens, parks, allotments and churchyards etc.

It flies from the spring through to the autumn but can be hard to spot both in the air and otherwise.

Anything more than a close inspection could easily fool anyone into thinking the weevil is merely a bird dropping, given its pretty effecting camouflage.

An impressive insect indeed.