Plant Parasites of Europe

leafminers, galls and fungi

Curculio

Curculio spec. exit hole on acorn

Quercus robur, UK, Norfolk, Downham Market, 8.ix.2020 © Rob Edmunds

Curculio spec. larva

larva

Curculio spec. larva

frontal view

notes

The larvae reach a considerable size. Unfortunately it is not possible to specifically identify the larvae inhabiting acorns. Acorns play an important role as food for jays and squirrels, not in the least as winter cache. It has been shown that for these animals parasitised acorns are unattractive, despite their higher nutritious value.

references

Dixon, Carter Johnson & Adkisson (1997a), Steele, Hadj-Chikh & Hazeltine (1996a).

Last modified 11.ix.2020