Great Mullein Weevil vs Elm Zigzag Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Mullein Weevil Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Scientific Name Cionus thapsus Aproceros leucopoda
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Curculionidae Argidae
Size 3-4.5 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe East Asia, invasive in Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Great Mullein Weevil

A small rounded weevil found exclusively on great mullein plants. Similar to the figwort weevil but associated with different host plants. Larvae are external feeders in mucous cocoons.

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Did You Know?

Each larva lives inside its own slimy mucous cocoon attached to the mullein leaf surface.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly

A small, pale green sawfly of East Asian origin that has become invasive in Europe. Larvae create distinctive zigzag feeding patterns on elm leaves.

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Did You Know?

This species reproduces entirely by parthenogenesis in its invasive range; males have never been found in Europe.