Quick Acorn Weevil facts
1. Female acorn weevils can have a snout longer than the rest of the headFemale acorn weevils can have a snout longer than the rest of the head.
2. Tiny jaws at the tip of the snout slowly drill…Tiny jaws at the tip of the snout slowly drill through the hardening shell of an acorn.
3. After creating a deep tunnelAfter creating a deep tunnel, the female turns and lays an egg inside.
4. The larva hatches and feeds on the nut tissue as the acorn maturesThe larva hatches and feeds on the nut tissue as the acorn matures.
5. When the acorn falls, the mature larva chews a round…When the acorn falls, the mature larva chews a round exit hole and drops into soil.
6. It overwinters underground before pupating and emerging as an adultIt overwinters underground before pupating and emerging as an adult.
7. Despite the dramatic snoutDespite the dramatic snout, adult weevils remain capable fliers.
8. Acorn weevil populations track the availability of oak cropsAcorn weevil populations track the availability of oak crops, which vary strongly between years.
9. Acorn Weevil is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adultAcorn Weevil is an insect and therefore has six jointed legs as an adult.
10. Its body follows the insect plan of headIts body follows the insect plan of head, thorax and abdomen.
11. Acorn Weevil has a hard external skeleton made largely from…Acorn Weevil has a hard external skeleton made largely from chitin rather than an internal bony skeleton.
12. A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information…A pair of antennae provides important chemical and mechanical information about the surroundings.
13. Like other insects, Acorn Weevil grows by molting because the…Like other insects, Acorn Weevil grows by molting because the rigid exoskeleton cannot expand continuously.
14. Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than…Oxygen reaches tissues through a branching tracheal system rather than being carried mainly by blood from lungs.
15. Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units…Compound eyes divide the visual field into many small units and are especially effective at detecting movement.
16. As an ectotherm, Acorn Weevil's activity level is strongly influenced…As an ectotherm, Acorn Weevil's activity level is strongly influenced by environmental temperature.
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Why acorn weevil are fascinating
Acorn weevils use extremely long snouts to drill into developing nuts and hide eggs inside. Looking at these traits together reveals how the animal solves the everyday challenges of feeding, movement, communication, reproduction and survival.
Frequently asked questions
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Where can I find similar animals?
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