Liparus glabrirostris

Liparus glabrirostris, the butterbur weevil, is a beetle belonging to the family Curculionidae, named after its larvae's most common genus of host plants, butterburs.
When threatened, it can exhibit apparent death, becoming temporarily unresponsive.

Description

Butterbur weevils are one of the largest weevil species in Europe, with the adult weevils reaching an approximate size of in length. They are dark black with irregular patches of light brown spots on the abdomen and thorax. Less noticeable light brown hairs can also be found on the legs and head.

Habitat

This species is characteristic to high altitude riparian woodland zones in the mountains of Europe.

Distribution

The butterbur weevil is native to Central Europe, from Spain to Ukraine. The species is most commonly observed in the Alpine and Tatra mountain range, and in the Bohemian Massif.