AusBonsai

G'day,

Can anyone please help ID this beetle that has been eating the bark on some of my Casuarina cunninghamiana. This isn't the first time I have seen the damage but it is the first time I have found what is responsible. It is a master of disguise because it is exactly the same colour of the bark. Last year in early summer it/they actually ringbarked some branches resulting in them dying!

The bug only seems to attack C. cunninghamiana as there are other species of Casuarina in very close proximity that are not effected.
I really appreciate any input you may have.

Regards,
Steven

That's one of the huge number of beetles termed 'weevils'.
Oxyops vitosa - Melaleuca snout beetle is one, maybe there are Casuarina weevils as well? There are plenty of imported pest weevils that cause damage to both native and exotic plants too.
Most have wings like most other beetles hidden under hard wing covers.

Yes I aggree, it's a weevil. I had one recently on my wisteria, happily munching the leaves, but the wisteria sits under a grevillea . The weevil I had was aprox the size of a 10c coin but similar shape and colouring to yours Steven.

But as far as I'm aware there are 100's of different varieties of weevils, (most are well known for destroying grain stores like rice and flour) but I've attached a link below as it looks like this could possibly be the one you have...

http://www.ozanimals.com/Insect/Elephan ... stris.html

Hope that helps

Chipper5

Wow, thanks so much guy's! The AusBonsai community never ceases to amaze me.

10:35am - I notice some damage on a Casuarina and then locate the bug responsible.
10:45am - take a couple of pictures.
10:50am - Post them on AusBonsai and request an ID.
11:03am - First ID comes in.
11:26am - Second ID comes in including a link.
Regards,
Steven

Ugly little Critter!!!

Hope I do not get any of them

Ken

Awww, I think it's kind of cute!

At least they're easy to remove! No sprays needed

Chipper5

You will likely never identify it down to species. There is some crazy number of them out there. I think, taxonomically speaking, one in 4 animals is a beetle/weevil! Largest group of animals by far.

Joel