A 100-million-year-old weevil fossil has been identified to represent a new tribe, genus, and species. Internationally renowned paleobiologist George Poinar Jr. calls the specimen a ‘mammoth weevil’ because of its huge rostrum or beak. Scientifically called Rhamphophorus legalovii, experts believe that the weevil wielded its trunk against other males over potential mates.
With its straight antennae, Rhamphophorus is classified as a primitive weevil. In addition, Poinar placed the creature in the Nemonychidae family, also known as “pine flower weevils.” According to Poinar, “the larvae and adults of many nemonychidae eat pollen from developing male cones of pines and other conifers.” In terms of genus and species, the Rhamphophorus was classified to belong to the sub-family Cimberidinae, which consists of particularly long-nosed weevils whose physical characteristics are developed like highly specialized tools.
Image credit: Oregon State University