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Coniocleonus are weevils (snout beetles) in the Curculionidae family, known for preferring dry, warm steppe/semi-desert areas in Europe, with species like C. nigrosuturatus being nearly monophagous on Common Stork'sbill (Erodium cicutarium), where larvae tunnel underground while adults feed above ground. They're notable for their specific habitat needs (disturbed ground, sparse vegetation) and specific life cycles, with some adults flying in spring/autumn, feeding, mating, and overwintering, while larvae develop in soil tunnels.
Key Facts about Coniocleonus
Classification: Genus of beetles (Coleoptera) in the family Curculionidae (weevils).
Habitat: Found in Europe, favoring dry, warm, disturbed steppe or semi-desert environments, often near roads or pastures.
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Host Plants: Many species are poorly studied, but C. nigrosuturatus feeds exclusively on Erodium cicutarium (Common Stork'sbill), avoiding thyme (Thymus) as previously thought. Other species use Calluna vulgaris or Erica as refuges, notes Biotaxa.
Life Cycle (e.g., C. nigrosuturatus):
Adults emerge in spring (March), peak activity mid-April to May for feeding/mating.
Larvae live in soil, feeding externally on the stem base of host plants in vertical tunnels.
Pupation occurs in July in earthen cells; adults emerge late July/autumn.
Behavior: Adults fly (good ability, though sometimes phenologically absent) and mate on host plants, with males stimulating females with their legs.
Species: Includes C. nebulosus, C. nigrosuturatus, C. cicatricosus, among others, with about 17 species in Europe, mostly Mediterranean.
Conservation: Some species, like C. turbatus, have specific conservation statuses (e.g., endangered in Germany).
