Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Agave Snout Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Knapweed Gall Weevil Agave Snout Weevil
Scientific Name Bangasternus fausti Scyphophorus acupunctatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Curculionidae
Size 4-6 mm 10-15 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Herbivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Mexico, Southwestern United States, Mediterranean (invasive)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Knapweed Gall Weevil

A weevil that induces galls in knapweed flower heads. Larvae develop inside the enlarged flower buds. Used in biological control of invasive knapweeds in North America.

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Did You Know?

Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.

Agave Snout Weevil

A large, black weevil that attacks agave and yucca plants by boring into the base. It can destroy entire agave plantations used for tequila production.

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Did You Know?

Infestations of this weevil have threatened Mexico's tequila industry by killing the blue agave plants used to make the spirit.