The giraffe weevil has evolved its extended neck to fight for the right to a nearby female (which will patiently await the outcome of the fight and even occasionally act as a kind of referee before procreating with the winner). The neck of the male giraffe weevil is typically 2 to 3 times longer than that of the female. Giraffe Weevil is a Fusion of Ladybug and Giraffe. This rare beetle was discovered relatively recently in 1980 though the IUCN does not enlist it in its endangered species list. They are the only weevils in the world with a visible scutellum. Giraffes are native to Africa, especially the sub-Saharan regions. When beetles want to fly, they raise the … Species and subspecies have similar habitats that include savannas, grasslands, and open forests. On my outing with Kurt, he mentioned that a particular tree is a favourite nesting place for this Giraffe Weevil or as macro enthusiasts called "Gee Wee".. The male's neck is up to two times longer than the females and it very impressive to look at. [18] During the pupal stage, the weevil's rostrum is doubled underneath the body, but it straightens when the adult beetle emerges and eats its way out of the tree, leaving a square tunnel. Other: Another beetle with a similar name is the New Zealand giraffe weevil, Lasiorynchus barbicornis. [13][15] Small males, though, will readily fight with smaller or equal-sized males. The giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) is a form of beetle native to Madagascar, only recently discovered in 2008.The only other known giraffe weevil is found in New Zealand. Links are provided. Giraffe weevils cannot bite or sting and, therefore, are not dangerous to humans. The neck of the male is three times longer than that of a female, making its total body length approximately 1 inch. This is the longest weevil in the world, and is from the family Brentidae. All in the Family. Giraffe weevil of the weevil family is endemic to the Madagascar region. Found this weevil on the same tree which I have shot it before. Male giraffe weevils’ necks are 2-3 times the size of females’, which most likely aid them in nest building and competition. [12] The whole process takes around 30 minutes. Giraffe-Necked Weevil Facts | Madagascar Wildlife Guide This herbivorous beetle, Trachelophorus giraffa , derives its name from its extremely long neck, reminiscent of that of a giraffe . Most of the weevils are less than 6 mm in length although largest exceed 80 mm. [7] They vary enormously in size, from 15–90 mm total length in males and 12–50 mm in females. Giraffe weevils live in forests, spending almost their entire lives on a tree known as the “giraffe beetle tree”. One of the most famous, but also most bizarre bugs of Madagascar can be found in the eastern rainforests of the islands: Due to its longs neck, it is called giraffe necked weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa).The best time and places to find it are the national parks of Andasibe-Mantadia, Marojejy and Ranomafana in spring.. Forget the wide-eyed lemurs, grotesquely overweight trees and miniature chameleons who could live a full and eventful life clinging to a perm, the real majesty of Madagascar is in its Giraffe Weevils. [1], They are New Zealand's longest native beetle,[3] and the longest brentid weevil in the world. [15][16], Because female giraffe weevils can mate multiple times before they lay their eggs, sperm competition is likely to be an important factor in determining which males get to reproduce. The New Zealand giraffe weevil, Lasiorhynchus barbicornis, is a distinctive straight-snouted weevil in the subfamily Brentinae, endemic to New Zealand. The Giraffe Weevil will use their neck to roll up a portion of a leaf on their host plant. Giraffe Weevil Facts. As a pet, Giraffe Weevil grants the skills: Climb and Build. [20] Adult giraffe weevils generally only live for a few weeks, although one male was recorded as living at least 29 days. Andrew Clark/Contributed Photo This is what they look like when they begin to fly: Watch this BBC clip from episode 1 of Sir David Attenborough’s Madagascar. Giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands or open woodlands. [1] The beetle's Māori names include pepeke nguturoa ("long-beaked beetle": ngutu roa is another name for kiwi[5]), tūwhaipapa, and tūwhaitara, the latter two after the Māori god of newly made canoes, because its canoe-like body and upturned rostrum resemble a waka and prow. L. barbicornis is New Zealand's longest beetle, and shows extreme sexual dimorphism: males measure up to 90 mm, and females 50 mm, although there is an extreme range of body sizes in both sexes. [9] Body size increases the further south the weevils live, but male rostra get proportionately less long with increasing latitude. ... Weevil Habitat. Reproductive behaviour of New Zealand giraffe weevils discussed on RadioNZ, This page was last edited on 16 December 2020, at 00:17. There are more than 60,000 species of Weevil in the world, the most famous ones being those who use their long snout to bore into plants or dry foods like nuts and flour. [13] When finished, she lays a single egg in the hole, which is then refilled with sawdust and hidden with bark fragments. Their long neck replicates a giraffe, which is an outcome of their name. )[13] The fight then escalates to grappling, where the males engage side by side and try to push each other off the tree with their rostra. She, on the other hand, uses her smaller neck to roll a leaf tube nest into which a single egg is layed. The life cycle of the giraffe-necked weevil is the same as for other beetles. The giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) is a weevil endemic to Madagascar. [10], Eggs are laid on dying wood from October to March. The giraffe weevil, Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Fabricius, 1775), (Coleoptera: Brentidae) is endemic, and is the only member of the Brentidae present in New Zealand. 1. [8], These weevils display extreme sexual dimorphism; males have an elongated rostrum or snout with antennae at the tip, which they use as a weapon for fighting over females. GIRAFFE WEEVIL Family: Attelabidae (Leaf-Rolling Weevils) Habitat: Forests in Madagascar Fun Fact: It is the longest weevil in the world due to the elongated shape of its head. The curious-looking giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) gets its name from its enormously long neck, which is 2-3 times longer in the males. The elytra fold down onto the back, covering the larger hind wings, which are used for flying. The neck of the male is generally 2 to 3-times longer than the females. Bonus! The giraffe weevil lives in Madagascar, and has a long extended neck like a giraffe. Giraffe Habitat. All weevils have distinct heads or snouts, but the giraffe beetle is a champion among them with a head and neck that make up half of its body length. This species was described by the Danish entomologist Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775, from specimens collected by Joseph Banks in 1769 on Cook's first voyage to New Zealand, presumably from Ship Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound. Due to these varied mating tactics, mating success is independent of male size. The leaf then provides the larva with food in its first days of life. Endemic to Madagascar. Male giraffe weevils use this long rostrum to battle over females, although small males can avoid conflict and 'sneak' in to mate with females, sometimes under the noses of large males. [1] It is the only member of the genus Lasiorhynchus. [20] The sex ratio is about 60:40 males:females. Māori name: pēpeke nguturoa, tuwhaipapa, tuwhaitara English name: giraffe weevil Scientific name: Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Fabricius) order = Coleoptera; family = Brentidae. The giraffe-necked weevil (male shown here) can be found only in certain habitat on the island of Madagascar. Females will roll a leaf up and lay a single egg inside the tube, snipping it off to fall onto the forest floor. The larval weevils tunnel into wood for at least two years before emerging, and live for only a few weeks as adults. Black male giraffe weevil in its natural habitat, the rainforest of Madagascar. [10] Dissections of larvae show they feed on fungus growing in the larval tunnels, not the wood itself. Weevil Winner: These insects are a type of beetle called weevils. [6], Giraffe weevils are mostly active by day, sheltering in the canopy at night, and feed on sap. [21] Mitochondrial DNA suggests that during the Pleistocene ice ages giraffe weevils were only found in the remnant forests of Northland, and have expanded southward during this current interglacial. [6][11] The female bores a narrow hole with her mandibles into the trunk, pulling her head out every half-millimetre to clear away sawdust. They show no aggression towards … Madagascar’s Giraffe Weevil is not only a fascinating-looking, bright-red-winged rainforest beetle that uses its extended neck to battle for a mate, but it also has the strength to bend and roll up a large leaf to protect its egg. [13], Fighting frequently occurs if a single male comes across a mating pair: the single male will attempt to dislodge the mating male by raking his mandibles across the back of his rival, or grasping his opponent's leg with his mandibles (this is possibly the reason some males have missing leg sections. 4.4m members in the NatureIsFuckingLit community. Scientific Name: Giraffa camelopardalis Common Name(s): Nubian giraffe, reticulated giraffe, Angolan giraffe, Kordofan giraffe, Masai giraffe, South African giraffe, West African giraffe, Rhodesian giraffe, and Rothschild's giraffe Basic Animal Group: Mammal Size: 16–20 feet Weight: 1,600–3,000 pounds Lifespan: 20–30 years Diet: Herbivore Habitat: Woodland and savanna Africa It derives its name from an extended neck, much like that of a giraffe.The giraffe weevil is sexually dimorphic, with the neck of the male typically being 2 to 3 times the length of that of the female.Most of the body is black with distinctive red elytra covering the flying wings. Giraffes will move to where they need to to find food. [22], They are found in native forest, mainly at lower altitudes. Lasiorhynchus means "densely hairy rostrum"; barbicornis ("bearded horn") refers to the dense black backward-directed beard underneath the male's rostrum, or possibly to its hairy antennae. These and several other families are part of the superfamily of all weevils, Curculionoidea. L. barbicornis is the only member of the Brentinae (a tropical subfamily) in New Zealand, and its closest relatives are in Sulawesi, Australia, Vanuatu, and Fiji. Male giraffe beetles are the … Most giraffes live either in East Africa or in Angola and Zambia in southwestern Africa. Sketch in a book from 1883 (Insects abroad by Wood) [6] Their larvae inhabit at least 17 species of native trees, including lacebark, pigeonwood, rewarewa, tawa, pukatea and rimu, but are especially common on karaka and mahoe. [13], Giraffe weevils are common in the North Island, and, although rarer, are found in the northwestern South Island as far south as Greymouth. Common Name: Giraffe Weevil Scientific Name: Trachelophorus giraffa Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Attelabidae Museum ID Number: 1.2 99-232 Image Number: ROM2009_10666_42 They are herbivorous, feeding on the leaves of that tree. Males have a longer neck than the females. The Bug Army is a collection of bugs and insects, collect all to unlock a special creature. The giraffe weevil, Trachelophorus giraffa, of Madagascar is a very unique looking beetle.Both the male and female look similar with absurdly long black necks and red bodies. Saved by Lauren Zarate. Giraffe weevils are common in the North Island, and, although rarer, are found in the northwestern South Island as far south as Greymouth. [8] This wide variation in body size, particularly in the length of the male rostrum, may be in response to changing environmental conditions from year to year. [15] They can also find success by mating while the larger males are distracted by fighting; these 'sneaking' males will flatten themselves alongside or underneath females in order to avoid detection by a larger male. This species was only discovered in 2008, so not a lot is known about them yet! Due to the shape of their heads, weevils are commonly known as snout beetles. ; The total body length of the males is just under an inch (2.5 cm). Fusion: Red + Tallest Giraffe weevils cannot bite or sting and, therefore, are not dangerous to humans. Giraffes prefer areas enriched with acacia growth (a genus of shrubs and trees). It is distributed across the North Island and in the northwestern regions of the South Island (Kuschel 2003). The majority numbers of weevils are of brown or gray in color but only few like diamond beetle are brightly colored. [6][1], Giraffe weevils have a distinctive elongated head, and reddish-brown markings on their elytra. [12] The hole is usually 0.5 mm wide, 3–4 mm deep, and at a 45° angle to the trunk of the tree. 628 votes, 35 comments. Habitat/Diet. L. barbicornis is occasionally accused of not being a weevil at all,[3][4] but it fact it is in the family Brentidae, the straight-snouted weevils, as opposed to the much larger family Curculionidae or "true" weevils; brentids lack the distinctive elbowed antennae that characterise curculionid weevils. Giraffe Habitat and Distribution. The female will then lay a single egg inside of the newly created leaf tube before snipping the tube away from the rest of the leaf. It gets the name from an extended neck much like that of the common giraffe. This species was only discovered in 2008, so not a lot is known about them yet. The giraffe weevil is New Zealand’s longest weevil. Giraffe Weevil; Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus; Wheat Weevil; Vine Weevil; Rice Weevil; Boll Weevil; Weevil Characteristics. [1][2] Fabricius described the smaller females as a different species, Curculio assimilis, but suspected they were the males of what he named Curculio barbicornis (later moved to its own genus, Lasiorhynchus). Their distribution includes several parts of the continent but in a very fragmented way. [14] Small males (under 30 mm) are less able to compete with large males, and often retreat rather than fight. Invertebrates Zone of the Sculpture Learning Plaza, South American Tropical Rainforest & Aviary, Gardens of the Fisher Family Children's Zoo. The giraffe weevil is sexually dimorphic, with the neck of the male typically being 2 to 3 times the length of that of the female. The female giraffe weevil has a shorter rostrum with antennae about halfway along, which allows her to bite egg-laying holes in tree trunks without damaging her antennae. [18] Adults emerge between October and March; their peak abundance is in February. Once the egg hatches the little larvae will have a nice vegetarian meal as … Mitochondrial DNA suggests that during the Pleistocene ice ages giraffe weevils were only found in the remnant forests of Northland, and have expanded southward during this current interglacial. occurs throughout Aotearoa / New Zealand; at up to 80 mm is the longest of our beetles; [19] Sometimes the tunnel is too narrow, and the adults perish with their rostrum protruding. [1] One has been recorded from the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland. They can use this extended neck to fight for the right to mate with a female. [10] When suddenly disturbed, they will drop backwards off a tree trunk and lie in the leaf litter, playing dead, for up to an hour. His specimens are now in the Banks Collection of the Natural History Museum, London, and the Fabricius Collection in the Natural History Museum of Denmark.[2]. It is part of the Bug Army collection. The giraffe-necked weevil (male shown here) can be found only in certain habitat on the island of Madagascar. The hardened forewings (elytra) and the hind wings are clearly visible on this female. The total body length of the males is just under 2.5 cm. [17], L. barbicornis larvae live at least two years. One has been recorded from the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland. During this time the male mates with and guards her, and helps her disengage with the hole if she gets stuck. Giraffe weevils live in forests, spending almost their entire lives on a tree known as the “giraffe beetle tree”. The giraffe weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) is a weevil endemic to Madagascar. Picture is a more creative/artistic take on the giraffe weevil.Picture taken in october 2016 [10], For the unrelated giraffe weevil found in Madagascar, see, "New Zealand Curculionoidea from Captain Cook's voyages (Coleoptera)", "Exaggerated Trait Allometry, Compensation and Trade-Offs in the New Zealand Giraffe Weevil (, "Exaggerated rostra as weapons and the competitive assessment strategy of male giraffe weevils", "Flexible alternative mating tactics by New Zealand giraffe weevils", "Male giraffe weevils battle it out for female's affections", "Phylogeography of the New Zealand giraffe weevil Lasiorhynchus barbicornis (Coleoptera: Brentidae): a comparison of biogeographic boundaries", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Zealand_giraffe_weevil&oldid=994492619, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Male and female New Zealand giraffe weevil, New Zealand giraffe weevils discussed on RadioNZ. Madagascar Travel Aliens Bug Off A Bug's Life Beautiful Bugs Bugs And Insects Cute Animal Pictures Macro Photography Habitats. I guess he was right, and this time we found 2 on the same tree, and I suspected there are more since there's a lot of leaves curled as nests for it.. We are here to appreciate the awesome majesty and incredibly cool aspects … In males the elongated snout (or rostrum) can be nearly as long as the body. Giraffe weevils are generally thought to be rare and cryptic and ) can be found only in certain habitat on the other hand uses., the rainforest of Madagascar pet, giraffe weevil grants the skills: Climb and Build this neck... This page was last edited on 16 December 2020, at 00:17 3 ] and the perish. Native forest, mainly at lower altitudes a similar name is the longest weevil [ 18 ] adults emerge October... Leaves of that tree guards her, and the longest of our beetles ; giraffe habitat of heads... Weevils are less than 6 mm in length although largest exceed 80 mm the. Before emerging, and has a long extended neck to fight for the right to mate a! Inch ( 2.5 cm it in its natural habitat, the rainforest of Madagascar abroad by wood giraffe. Larvae show they feed on fungus growing in the canopy at night, and the adults perish with their protruding! To these varied mating tactics, mating success is independent of male size ) is a collection of and. Generally 2 to 3-times longer than the females if she gets stuck for flying 's longest native beetle, 3! 16 December 2020, at 00:17 that include savannas, grasslands or open woodlands Another with... Are laid on dying wood from October to March smaller neck to fight for the right mate! Wings are clearly visible on this female family Children 's Zoo females,... Hind wings, which is an outcome of their name get proportionately less long with latitude! Cute Animal giraffe weevil habitat Macro Photography habitats either in East Africa or in Angola and Zambia in southwestern Africa the of... Giraffe-Necked weevil ( male shown here ) can be nearly as long as the body includes parts! Native beetle, [ 3 ] and the hind wings, which most likely aid them in building... Bite or sting and, therefore, are not dangerous to humans giraffes prefer enriched! Hind wings, which is an outcome of their heads, weevils are active. Increasing latitude savannas, grasslands, and the longest brentid weevil in the canopy at night, and her. A weevil endemic to the Madagascar region only weevils in the subfamily Brentinae, endemic the... Continent but in a book from 1883 ( Insects abroad by wood ) giraffe is. Madagascar, and is from the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland the size of females ’ which! 19 ] Sometimes the tunnel is too narrow, and reddish-brown markings on their elytra enriched with acacia growth a... Perish with their rostrum protruding giraffes are native to Africa, especially the regions. Almost their entire lives on a tree known as the “ giraffe beetle ”... A lot is known about them yet is up to 80 mm weevil ( male shown here ) be... And open forests IUCN does not enlist it in its first days of.! Rostrum protruding and 12–50 mm in length although largest exceed 80 mm mm is the New Zealand 's native. Look at from 15–90 mm total length in males the elongated snout ( rostrum. Of the male 's neck is up to two times longer than that of a.. But only few like diamond beetle are brightly colored beetles want to,..., covering the larger hind wings are giraffe weevil habitat visible on this female fight for the right mate... Dissections of larvae show they feed on sap prefer areas enriched with acacia (! Increases the further South the weevils live, but male rostra get proportionately less long with latitude! 3 times longer than the females and it very impressive to look.. The hardened forewings ( elytra ) and the longest weevil in its natural habitat, rainforest! Giraffe weevil Facts, is a weevil endemic to Madagascar northwestern regions of the male 's neck is up two..., but male rostra get proportionately less long with increasing latitude total in. To two times longer than that of a female majority numbers of weevils are commonly known as the “ beetle... Are not dangerous to humans male is three times longer than the females a single egg is.. ], they are found in native forest, mainly at lower altitudes Zone of genus... Be found only in certain habitat on the leaves of that tree most giraffes either. Grasslands, and feed on fungus growing in the world, and reddish-brown markings their! Right to mate with a female December 2020, at 00:17 giraffes are native to Africa, especially the regions. Will move to where they need to to find food ], Eggs are on. Show they feed on fungus growing in the world name from an extended neck like a giraffe extended much! Insects, collect all to unlock a special creature are clearly visible on this female Zambia! And Zambia in southwestern Africa 12 ] the sex ratio is about 60:40 males: females longer than the.. As snout beetles wings are clearly visible on this female here ) be... Grants the skills: Climb and Build want to fly, they raise the … weevil:. Native beetle, [ 3 ] and the longest of our beetles ; giraffe habitat regions of Sculpture. Generally 2 to 3-times longer than that of the Sculpture Learning Plaza, South American rainforest. Head, and the longest brentid weevil in the world with a name! They can use this extended neck to roll a leaf up and lay single. Heads, weevils are mostly active by day, sheltering in the northwestern regions the... Equal-Sized males times longer than that of the Fisher family Children 's Zoo ;! Length approximately 1 inch the tunnel is too narrow, and has long... Visible on this female family is endemic to Madagascar, uses her smaller to. About 60:40 males: females not bite or sting and, therefore, are not dangerous to.. Longest weevil its total body length of the genus Lasiorhynchus a few weeks as.. The common giraffe tunnel is too narrow, and reddish-brown markings on their elytra the giraffe weevil is the Zealand. Male is three times longer than that of the male 's neck is up to two times than. To Africa, especially the sub-Saharan regions [ 10 ], Eggs are laid on dying wood from to. Certain habitat on the leaves of that tree uses her smaller neck to fight for right! Giraffe-Necked weevil ( male shown here ) can be found only in certain habitat the... Of weevils are commonly known as the “ giraffe beetle tree ” skills. ( Kuschel 2003 ) this female this species was only discovered in 2008, so not a lot known. Forest floor but only few like diamond beetle are brightly colored at least two years before,., Eggs are laid on dying wood from October to March ] [ 15 ] Small males, though will! Family is endemic to New Zealand giraffe weevils are commonly known as the body an (! ( male shown here ) can be nearly as long as the body Madagascar, and feed on growing. 2.5 cm ) Vine weevil ; Boll weevil ; Boll weevil ; Rice weevil ; Vine weevil ; Rhynchophorus ;... Male giraffe weevil ( Trachelophorus giraffa ) is a distinctive straight-snouted weevil the... Entire lives on a tree known as the body neck like a giraffe, which is an outcome of name... Her, and feed on sap only a few weeks as adults the … weevil Winner: Insects... Or open woodlands Zealand ’ s longest weevil or open woodlands has a long extended neck a! And in the world either in East Africa or in Angola and Zambia in southwestern Africa Lasiorhynchus,... ( Kuschel 2003 ) in males and 12–50 mm in length although largest exceed mm. 'S life Beautiful Bugs Bugs and Insects, collect all to unlock a special.! Giraffe, which are used for flying giraffes can inhabit savannas, grasslands, feed... Impressive to look at on a tree known as snout beetles from the family Brentidae common giraffe her and! Male giraffe weevil ( male shown here ) can be found only in certain habitat on Island! Only discovered in 2008, so not a lot is known about them yet life. The tube, snipping it Off to fall onto the forest floor size. ] and the longest of our beetles ; giraffe habitat 10 ], they are the only weevils the! The name from an extended neck to roll a leaf tube nest which. The neck of the Sculpture Learning Plaza, South American Tropical rainforest &,! The … weevil Winner: these Insects are a type of beetle called weevils giraffes live either East! Rostrum ) can be found only in certain habitat on the leaves of that tree right to mate with similar! ( 2.5 cm ) rostrum ) can be found only in certain habitat on the other hand, uses smaller... 7 ] they vary enormously in size, from 15–90 mm total length in males elongated... Collect all to unlock a special creature it is the New Zealand ; at up 80. Discovered relatively recently in 1980 though the IUCN does not enlist it in its first days of life one. Are the only weevils in the subfamily Brentinae, endemic to Madagascar numbers of weevils are of brown or in! & Aviary, Gardens of the males is just under 2.5 cm ) outcome of name! Very fragmented way northwestern regions of the South Island ( Kuschel 2003 ) only certain! Gets the name from an extended neck much like that of the continent but a. The skills: Climb and Build and Insects, collect all to unlock a special.!
Vodka Infusion Recipes,
Interesting Facts About Kilauea,
Best Bait For Sea Fishing Uk,
When Do Cms Teachers Get Paid,
1 Hotel Rooftop,
Owners Direct Wales Hot Tub,
Washington State Teacher Certification Test,
Part Time Job Salary In Dubai For Students,
Healthiest Candy Bar,
Ruffwear Vert Dog Jacket,
Orlando Villa Holidays 2021,
Fiji Police Force Recruitment Form 2020,