Clover Weevil Sitona hispidulus
In the genus Sitona are also some weevils interested in Clover mainly, but most species will also feed on other plants. From the hairs, the three white lines on the neck shield and some other factors, we think it is very likely the animal in the pictures is the Colver Weevil. It is variable though and there are look-alikes around. But the Clover Weevil is the most common species, often present in great numbers.
The Clover Weevil measures 3 to 5 mm. The animal is black, but covered in brown or even copperish scales. When older these scales may (partly) disappear. There are short, but firm white hairs standing up on the shields. Usually there are three white lines on the neck shield: two on the sides and one in the middle.
The Clover Weevil is long lived: about one year. Fresh adults appear all year round, except for winter. They eat the leaves of the various foodplants, causing little damage. Their presence can be seen by examining the pattern of eating: usually a typical U-shape. Females deposit their eggs from June till October. Usually eggs are laid in small numbers. The eggs hatch after some 4 weeks. Larvae appearing in September or October probably die, for the Clover Weevil's larvae can not live through winter. Adults and eggs however do overwinter succesfully. Adults are even active during winter, except for frost periods. The larvae feed on the roots of clovers, often causing the stem to get loose from the root. In Clover fields they may be very devastating indeed. But this species may also be very harmful in alfa-alfa, lucerne (Medicago sativa) in gardens and sometimes peas.
This species is also known as the Clover Root Curculio.
