Bradybatus kellneri

Description

Bradybatus kellneri is a beetle fromthe weevil family (Curculionidae). The associated genus Bradybatus is represented in Europe with seven species. Bradybatus kellneri is assigned to the subgenus Bradybatus. The beetles are 3.4–4.3 mm long. They are variably colored. The mostly black beetles often have a reddish coloration in different places. They have a narrow trunk. The feeler flagella is 6-membered. The relatively narrow pronotum is slightly rounded at the sides. The base of the pronotum is noticeably narrower than the base of the elytra. The stocky elytra are 1.6 to 1.9 times longer than wide. The spaces between the elytra are either provided with simple rows of hair (nominate form) or with two transverse bands of light scale hairs in the hind half. The front ones Femora have a small needle-shaped tooth. Bradybatus kellneri occurs from Europe to the Near East. In Europe, the distribution area extends from southern Scandinavia and the Baltic States through Central Europe to France and Italy. The species is univoltine, meaning it forms one generation per year. The beetles are most commonly observed in spring between mid-March and late May. During this time, mating and oviposition take place. The larvae develop in the fruit of several maple species (Acer), including field maple (Acer campestre), Calabrian maple (Acer lobelii), French maple (Acer monspessulanum), snowball maple (Acer opalus) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides). Pupation also takes place in the fruit. The new generation beetles appear in autumn and overwinter in the foliage. The species is considered to be not endangered in Germany.