Clover Root Weevil vs Eastern Hercules Flower Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clover Root Weevil | Eastern Hercules Flower Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sitona obsoletus | Mecynorrhina polyphemus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 40-80 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, New Zealand (invasive) | West and Central Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Clover Root Weevil
A small, grey-brown weevil that feeds on clover roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. It became a major invasive pest in New Zealand pastures.
Did You Know?
By destroying nitrogen-fixing root nodules, it reduces pasture fertility, costing New Zealand agriculture hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Eastern Hercules Flower Beetle
A large African flower beetle with variable coloration from green to brown. Males have a short forked horn on the head.
Did You Know?
Named after the cyclops Polyphemus due to the single horn on the male's head resembling a central eye.