WEEVIL Meaning and
Definition
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A weevil is a type of small insect belonging to the family Curculionidae, which is part of the order Coleoptera. Weevils are characterized by their long, thin snouts and their rounded bodies. They are classified as beetles and are often considered pests due to the damage they cause to crops, stored grains, and various plants.
Weevils have a distinctive appearance, with their elongated snouts typically equipped with mandibles that allow them to chew and feed on a wide range of plant matter. They are known for their ability to infest and damage stored food products such as grains, nuts, seeds, and cereals. Weevils lay their eggs within these food sources, and the larvae feed on the materials as they grow, causing significant loss and contamination.
These insects are found worldwide and are numerous in both natural environments and human-made habitats. Weevils can be highly adaptable and can damage a wide variety of crops, including wheat, corn, rice, and legumes. They are known for their resilient nature, as they can survive periods of extreme temperatures and reproduce rapidly.
In addition to their agricultural impact, weevils are also of interest to researchers due to their diversity, with numerous species identified. They play important roles in ecosystems as both herbivores and decomposers. Furthermore, some weevils form symbiotic relationships with fungi or bacteria in their guts, aiding in digestion and nutrient acquisition.
Overall, weevils are small, snout-nosed beetles that often have a negative impact on agriculture by infesting and damaging stored grains and crops.
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An insect of the beetle tribe exceedingly destructive to grain in granaries, and to growing timber.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of WEEVIL
The word "weevil" comes from the Old English term "wifel", which referred to any small beetle or insect. This term, in turn, is believed to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word "wibillaz", indicating a small creeping or crawling creature. Eventually, the word "wifel" specifically started to be associated with a type of beetle called "the wheat weevil", which attacked stored grains. Over time, this specific association with the pest led to the term "weevil" becoming the widely used name for various beetles from the Curculionidae family known for damaging stored crops.
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