Curculionidae

Curculionidae is a large family of beetles commonly called weevils. Many species have elongated snouts and feed on plants, with some becoming major crop pests.

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Coleoptera: Coleoptera is the insect order comprising beetles, distinguished by hardened forewings called elytra. Curculionidae is classified within this order of beetles.
Holometabolism: Holometabolism is insect development through distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Curculionids develop through complete metamorphosis, often with plant-feeding larvae.
Boll weevil: The boll weevil is a beetle whose larvae feed inside cotton flower buds and bolls. This curculionid became a major pest of cotton production.
Scolytinae: Scolytinae is a subfamily of Curculionidae containing bark and ambrosia beetles. These relatives are often treated informally as bark beetles rather than typical weevils.
Rostrum (entomology): A rostrum is an elongated head projection found in many insects, including many weevils. This snout-like structure gives many curculionids their familiar appearance.
Phytophagy: Phytophagy is the consumption of plants or plant tissues by animals. Plant feeding is widespread across the family and shapes its ecological relationships.
Rice weevil: The rice weevil is a stored-grain beetle whose larvae develop inside whole cereal grains. It illustrates how a weevil can damage harvested food in storage.
Brentidae: Brentidae is a family of beetles known as primitive weevils, traditionally classified separately from Curculionidae. Its members resemble weevils but have historically been assigned to a neighboring family.
Antenna (biology): An antenna is a paired sensory appendage on the head of an arthropod. Many weevils have elbowed antennae attached to the rostrum.
Ovipositor: An ovipositor is an organ used by many female insects to place eggs in or on a substrate. Some weevils use it to insert eggs into seeds or plant tissues.