Lesser Clover Leaf Weevil - Hypera nigrirostris

Description

3 to 4 mm, rostrum or beak is three times as long as it is broad and notched at its base. The eyes are large, taller than wide and non-protuberant. The elytra can be greenish-gold or coppery brown, both being the result of the presence of scales. Legs are reddish brown. Erect pale hairs form lines between the striae, particularly towards the apices of the elytra.

Similar Species

Other Hypera species.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the beetle's size in the comments box.

Habitat

Areas with plenty of Clover and Bird's-foot-trefoil.

When to see it

All year. 

Life History

Adults feed on clover and Birds-foot-trefoil.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent, especially in the southern half of Britain.

Leicestershire & Rutland Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
insect - beetle (Coleoptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Curculionidae
Records on NatureSpot:
7
First record:
02/07/1989 (Derek Lott)
Last record:
18/03/2026 (Cooper, Barbara)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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