Giraffe Weevil
Trachelophorus giraffa
- Near threatened
- Card rarity: Uncommon
- Insects
The giraffe weevil is a species of small weevil endemic to Madagascar. They can grow up to 1 to 2 inches in length and can leap up to 100 times their body length. Giraffe weevils are black-bodied and have bright red elytra covering their wings. They are known for their elongated necks, with the males having necks 2 to 3 times the size of their female counterparts. There are several advantages to their elongated necks, including using them for combat, attracting mates, building nests, and acquiring resources. In the field of coleopterology, giraffe weevils are of interest because they exhibit sexual dimorphism. There are other beetle species that share the common name giraffe weevil, like the New Zealand giraffe weevil Lasiorhynchus barbicornis. The giraffe weevil is commonly misidentified another beetle with a similar appearance, Cybebus dimidiatus.
Classification
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Attelabidae
- Genus
- Trachelophorus