Coniocleonus nigrosuturatus

Naming

Synonyms
Cleonus leucomelas Fahaeus, 1842
Coniocleonus albirostris Chevrolat, 1873
Curculio nigrosuturatus Goeze, 1777
Curculio obliquus Fabricius, 1792

Distribution

The species’ range includes North Africa, a large part of Asia to western Siberia and most of Europe except the
northern part and British Isles.

Status

In several central European countries, C. nigrosuturatus is an endangered species.

Habitat

Coniocleonus nigrosuturatus prefers dry, sunny places in grassland habitats, with sparse vegetation, bare ground and patchily growing host plants.

Reproduction

Overwintering beetles emerge in early spring (March), feed and mate on the host plants. The highest activity of
adults was observed from mid-April to mid-May. Larvae live in the soil in a vertical tunnel near the host plant and feed externally on the base of the stem. Usually, a single larva was observed at an attacked plant, however, sometimes up to 3 larvae were found. At the beginning of July, the larvae pupate in a closed earthen cell.

Food

Common Stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium) (Geraniaceae) is identified as a host plant of both larvae and adults of this weevil.