Insect · GBIF taxon 4468015
Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil
Polydrusus formosusAlso known as Green Leaf Weevil, Emerald Weevil
Covered in brilliant, metallic green scales, these tiny leaf weevils shine brightly on deciduous foliage throughout late spring and early summer. Adults feed on the tender leaves of birch, oak, and fruit trees, while their soil-dwelling larvae chew on fine rootlets underground. Native to Europe, they were introduced to North America in the early twentieth century and have since become widespread in orchards and woodlands.
IridescentHerbivoreIntroduced
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Birch leaves
- Oak leaves
- Willow leaves
Predators
- Songbirds
- Jumping spiders
- Predatory bugs
ThreatsChemical pesticide spraying in managed forests and orchards
HabitatsBroadleaf forests, orchards, suburban parks, and gardens
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColeoptera
- FamilyCurculionidae
- GenusPolydrusus
- SpeciesPolydrusus formosus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Foliage Inspection: Look closely at the upper surfaces of birch, oak, and fruit tree leaves in May and June.
- Approach Slowly: These small beetles drop quickly to the ground when startled or bumped.
- Magnification: Use a macro lens or hand lens to appreciate the iridescent scales covering their body.
Image unavailableLook-Alike Co-Occurring Pest 
Close Relative (c) sugarsnapdragon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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