To celebrate the middle of the week we are going to study a cool looking insect known as the Giraffe Weevil. This is basically a combination of two amazing animals so you know we are in for a treat. The Giraffe Weevil is only found on the island of Madagascar. Is it just me or does it seem like all of the coolest animals are found in Madagascar? Just so you know, New Zealand also has an insect called the New Zealand Giraffe Weevil, which is apparently the longest weevil in the world, however, they are a completely different species then the weevil we are studying from Madagascar.
Fighting Weevil
Okay, so I am sure you have figured out why they are called “Giraffe” Weevils. But did you know that the males typically have necks that are 3 times longer than their female counterparts? The males use their long necks for two very important things – fighting and nest building! Incidentally both of these activities are completed during the breeding season. The male Giraffe Weevil will use their long neck to impress the ladies by beating up any potential mating competitors. As you would expect the strongest weevil wins the attention of the attractive mate.
Home Building Weevil
This unusual neck also comes in handy when it comes time to building a nice little home for their children. The Giraffe Weevil will use their neck to roll up a portion of a leaf on their host plant. 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. Once the egg hatches the little larvae will have a nice vegetarian meal as they eat their rolled up nest to get some energy to start their life. I hope the little Giraffe Weevil didn’t order steak because he will be greatly disappointed.
Fashionable Weevil
Besides the long neck you will notice that both the males and females have a bright red elytra (back) which covers their wings. It just seems like these insects are doing whatever they can to be one of the coolest insects out there. Since they are a newly discovered species, we may find out more interesting things about the Giraffe Weevil in the near future.
That does it for today’s Wild Fact. Enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you tomorrow.
