Mecinus circulatus?

[Acutipuerilis]

Hi All,
Can any beetly experts please confirm or otherwise this one I'd like to think is M. circulatus?



It was around 2.5 mm (ish), and found in mixed low vegetation including Plantago lanceolata. The weird thing is that it was in Huddersfield, on top of a hill, and as far as I'm aware, this is an Nb species found mostly near the coast. Confirmation would be much appreciated! Sadly, of course, I didn't collect it - if it's not a bug, I have little idea in the field how interesting it is!

Thanks,
Joe

[lync]

Could it not be M.pyraster? There are six species in the latest checklist but Joy only keys three, so my query is inevitably based on incomplete information.
Certainly looks like a Mecinus though.

[Acutipuerilis]

Thanks, Lync. I did have M. pyraster a couple of weeks before, and this was substantially smaller (it may not be precisely 2.5 mm, but I'm getting pretty good at estimating in that size range now! ). It was also associated with the foodplant of M. circulatus.

I think there are some visible differences in addition to scale - the colouring of the antennae, for example. I just don't have the key - or the experience! - to be sure

[lync]

I have 3 of Mike Morris's RES handbooks to weevils. Whether one of them covers Mecinus is something I can check when I get home.

[lync]

No, they don't, must be in the other volume. One to purchase I think. Had considered buying it at some point anyway.