Giraffe Weevil

An unusual-looking bug native to Madagascar's woodlands is the giraffe weevil. Due to its extraordinarily long neck, the giraffe weevil earned its common name. The weevil neck of a male giraffe is two to three times longer than that of a female. Insect males use their long necks to construct nests and engage in competition with other males during mating season.

The giraffe weevil, is one of the largest insects in the weevil family, with an average length of 2.5 cm. Their body is primarily made up of black elements. In addition to their lengthy necks, giraffe weevils are most notable for their scarlet shells that cover their hind legs. It was known as an elytron. These shells aid in flight for giraffe weevils together with their hind wings.

At present, a large population of giraffe weevils lives in the forests of Madagascar. They spent most of their lives on small trees known as ‘giraffe beetle trees’. They also feed on the leaves of these trees. Luckily, there are no known predators to the giraffe weevils. Unlike their strange look, the giraffe weevil is completely harmless. They show no aggression towards humans or other species.