Knapweed Gall Weevil vs Round Sand Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Knapweed Gall Weevil | Round Sand Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bangasternus fausti | Omophron limbatum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | Europe, North Africa, western Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Released in North America as biocontrol for invasive spotted knapweed, which costs ranchers millions annually.
Round Sand Beetle
A highly distinctive, nearly circular ground beetle with a domed shape and striking pattern of pale yellow with dark green bands. It burrows in wet sand near water.
Did You Know?
Its nearly spherical body shape is unique among ground beetles and allows it to burrow rapidly into wet sand to escape predators or floods.