Weevils Phyllobius pomaceus on Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica

The Weevil Phyllobius pomacueus is abundant on Stinging Nettles Urtica dioica and in common with many other beetles much of its time appears to be occupied by mating. The green colour is produced by a powdery layer of scales and in older specimens these are sometimes rubbed away to expose the black exoskeleton underneath. There is an obvious advantage for any insect inhabiting a plant with such an effective natural protective mechanism as the stinging hairs as these will help to deter predators.