Story: Beetles

Giraffe weevil

Giraffe weevil

The giraffe weevil is New Zealand’s longest weevil. The hardened forewings (elytra) and the hind wings are clearly visible on this female. The elytra fold down onto the back, covering the larger hind wings, which are used for flying. When beetles want to fly, they raise the elytra and stretch out the membranous hind wings.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: In0645Mrt.tif
Photograph by John Marris

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How to cite this page:

John Marris, 'Beetles - What is a beetle?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/14354/giraffe-weevil (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by John Marris, published 24 Sep 2007