Curculio venosus

This species is very similar to other species in the genus, inlcuding the Acorn Weevil Curculio glandium which seems to be very much commoner. I may have overlooked this species in the past - indeed I'm pretty sure that some of my earlier records of Nut Weevil Curculio nucum actually related to venosus, especially those which I recorded as being >7mm long without the rostrum. Unfortunately my photos of those are not conclusive and I no longer have the specimens.

This one was found on Sweet Chesntut. The species is mainly associated with Oak which was growing nearby.

Curculio venosus showing scutellum, apex of elytra, fore femur and antennal club, Ling Plantation, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 1st June 2022

This next ones came to light.

Curculio venosus showing scutellum and apex of elytra, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 5th August 2024

Curculio venosus, North Elmham (Norfolk, UK), 7th August 2020

Prior to these I had struggled a bit identifying Curculio and most of my older records of this species I have reviewed and now consider to have been misidentified. However, this one from long before I started looking at beetles properly, seems to be correct. At first when I reviewed this I wasn't completely convinced that the angle of the photo couldn't have exaggerated the apparent proportions of the scutellum, but it also seems to show the strong mane of scales along the apex of the suture so I think it must be correct. This is the only photo I have and back then I don't think I would have examined the specimen itself.

Curculio venosus, Weston Park (Norfolk, UK), 25th June 2011