Great Mullein Weevil vs Scarites Ground Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Great Mullein Weevil Scarites Ground Beetle
Scientific Name Cionus thapsus Scarites subterraneus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Carabidae
Size 3-4.5 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe Eastern North America
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.

Scarites Ground Beetle

A large, jet-black burrowing ground beetle found across eastern North America. Its powerful mandibles and flattened body are adapted for digging.

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Did You Know?

It constructs deep vertical burrows in soil from which it ambushes passing prey.