Nettle Root Weevil vs Downlooker Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nettle Root Weevil Downlooker Fly
Scientific Name Phyllobius virideaeris Rhagio tringarius
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Curculionidae Rhagionidae
Size 3-5 mm 8-12mm
Habitat Hedgerows Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nettle Root Weevil

A bright green-scaled weevil found on nettles and other vegetation in spring. Extremely common but the scales wear off with age revealing black cuticle. Adults chew leaf edges.

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Did You Know?

Fresh specimens are brilliant metallic green, but old worn individuals look like completely different black beetles.

Downlooker Fly

A slender predatory fly with spotted wings that perches head-downward on vegetation waiting for prey.

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Did You Know?

Always rests facing downward on stems and leaves, earning it the name downlooker or snipe fly.