Science & Nature • Insect

Weevil

Weevils are a large group of beetles in the superfamily Curculionoidea, best known for their elongated snouts.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Weevils are a large group of beetles in the superfamily Curculionoidea, best known for their elongated snouts. They are mostly plant-feeding insects, and many species are agricultural or stored-product pests. The group is among the most species-rich in the beetles, with tens of thousands of described species.

Classification

Weevils belong to the beetle order Coleoptera and are placed in the superfamily Curculionoidea. The best-known group is the family Curculionidae, often called the true weevils.

Physical characteristics

Weevils are usually small beetles with a distinctive elongated snout. Many are pear- or bulb-shaped, with elbowed antennae and hardened wing covers.

Diet and behaviour

Most weevils are plant-feeders, and different species specialize on grains, seeds, roots, nuts, or other plant tissues. Some species develop inside seeds or grain kernels, which helps explain their pest status.

Distribution and diversity

Weevils are found across most of the world and occupy a wide range of habitats. Published estimates place known diversity at roughly 90,000 to 97,000 described species, making them one of the most diverse animal groups.

Key facts

Weevils are beetles, not a separate order of insects.
Their defining trait is a long, narrow snout called a rostrum.
Most weevils feed on plants, roots, seeds, or grain.
Many species are important agricultural pests or stored-food pests.
Weevils occur worldwide and are extremely diverse.

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Canadian context

Weevils are relevant to Canadian agriculture and households because some species infest cereal grains, stored food, and crops, and can be managed as nuisance or pest insects in homes and farm settings.[2][10]

Frequently asked questions

What is a weevil?

A weevil is a beetle in the superfamily Curculionoidea, usually recognized by its long snout.

Are weevils insects?

Yes. Weevils are insects in the order Coleoptera, which is the beetle order.

Do weevils harm people?

Weevils are generally not harmful to people or pets, and they do not bite or sting, but some species damage crops and stored food.

Why are weevils considered pests?

Many species feed on grains, seeds, and living plants, so they can reduce crop yields or contaminate stored food.

How many species of weevils are there?

Estimates vary by source, but published figures in the results range from about 40,000 species in Curculionidae to roughly 90,000–97,000 described weevil species overall.

What do weevils look like?

They are usually small beetles with a long snout, elbowed antennae, and a compact body that is often pear-shaped or bulb-shaped.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/weevil
Supports: Weevils as beetles in Curculionidae; family size and classification.
WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/weevils-what-to-know
Supports: Physical description, diet, pest status, and lack of harm to humans/pets.
Critter Science — https://critter.science/the-weevil/
Supports: Global distribution, habitat breadth, and IUCN status range.
Bug Under Glass — https://bugunderglass.com/weevil/
Supports: Superfamily Curculionoidea and approximate species diversity.
Missouri Department of Conservation — https://www.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/weevils-snout-beetles-bark-beetles
Supports: Snout, antennae, and plant-feeding beetle identification.
University of Minnesota Extension — https://www.extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/home-invading-weevils
Supports: Indoor occurrence, non-harmful status, and nuisance management context.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weevil
Supports: General overview and species estimate; used only where consistent with other sources.