Horrid?

It's a long time since I've photographed any weevils, but Pete bought a few back today, including this very spiky individual that goes by the name of Trichosirocalus horridus. I think the name does it a disservice, as it's really rather cute! 


It lives on thistles and has been used as a biological pest control agent in the United States since 1974 to effectively control exotic thistles, especially in the Cirsium and Carduus genera. Unfortunately it has also been noted eating some native species of American thistle.


I spent most of the day at the computer writing a report with a tight deadline, a bit of a come down after two days of celebration!