Rhinostomus barbirostris (40mm), the Bearded or Bottlebrush Weevil
The Bearded or Bottlebrush Weevil (Rhinostomus barbirostris) is a relatively widespread species and is associated with injured and dying palms. William Eberhard’s research into the role of the “bearded” rostrum is fascinating, as well as noting how a subset of the male population is significantly smaller than the typically large males but which successfully employs a “small kid on the block” tactic for securing mates (those of us 5'9" and below will probably chuckle knowingly!) where the smaller males stand by and watch the big guys duke it out in display for the attending females, and then while the contest is going on, they sneak up and mate with her right under their rostra!
Photograph by ÐåVid HílMý
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