This beetle has a grayish -black coloration. It is about 1/4 inch long. Like other weevils it has a long snout and short elbowed antenna.
This is a species of weevil whose adults feed on the stems of the common milkweed plant. This beetle was found on Marsh trail. Its occurrence at Fontenelle forest is not known but common milkweed is found throughout the nature centers.
The coloration of this beetle seems to help serve as a defensive mechanism. Studies have shown that it does not absorb the toxic alkaloids of milkweeds like other insects that eat this plant. This beetle belongs to the subfamily Molytinae whose members associate with a variety of families of plants.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Eric Scholar.