Toadflax Seed Weevil vs Spanish Fly Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Toadflax Seed Weevil Spanish Fly Beetle
Scientific Name Gymnetron antirrhini Berberomeloe majalis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Meloidae
Size 2-3 mm 30-70mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Seed Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Toadflax Seed Weevil

A small dark weevil that develops inside the seed capsules of toadflax and snapdragon plants. Larvae consume developing seeds. Part of the biological control program for invasive toadflax.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can destroy up to 90% of seeds in a toadflax capsule, significantly reducing plant reproduction.

Spanish Fly Beetle

A huge wingless blister beetle with a massively swollen red and black banded abdomen. The largest European meloid.

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Did You Know?

One of the largest beetle species in Europe with a body so heavy it resembles a fat caterpillar more than a beetle.