Family: Brentidae
This rather attractive weevil favors dock (Rumex) species as its host plant, and eggs are laid inside a hole within the stem of the plant, where they can safely develop. We’ve tended to try to keep docks to a minimum in the Garden as they can become rather invasive in our wet soil. However, we do appreciate that they support a wide range of invertebrates and will make sure there is always enough for species like A. frumentarium.
The individual picture above and recorded in the clip below, we are fairly sure, is the first time we have seen this species in the Garden. So at most, until this record on the 30th of March 2023, this has likely only been a rare visitor at best. This species is common and with a host plant that is likewise common and widespread we do hope to be seeing more of this species from now on.
New adults emerge in the summer and overwinter deep down in the vegetation, so another reason to limit disturbance at the end of the year.
Wildlife Garden 