11005-67013 Speargrass weevil (Lyperobius montanus) a large, flightless weevil found in wetter regions along the Main Divide in Fiordland. It feeds on Aciphylla congesta and Anisotome haasti. Speargrass weevils unlike other giant NZ weevils now condfined to rat-free islands, remain present on the mainland in subalpine habitats, however apart from a small population on the Wellington coastline, speargrass weevils are now restricted to the South Island. Gertude Valley, Fiordland *
DSC_0777 Speargrass weevil (Lyperobius patricki) male. A large, flightless weevil found on host plants Aciphylla aurea and A. montana var.gracilis. Speargrass weevils are the most widely distributed of NZ's giant weevils and unlike other flightless weevils, are still found on the mainland, rather than on rat-free offshore islands. Apart from a small population on the Wellington coastline, they are restricted to the montane and subalpine tussock regions of the South Island. Ida Range, Oteake Conservation Park *
DSC_1013 Speargrass weevil (Lyperobius patricki) mating pair. A large, flightless weevil found on host plants Aciphylla aurea and A. montana var.gracilis. Speargrass weevils are the most widely distributed of NZ's giant weevils and unlike other flightless weevils, are still found on the mainland, rather than on rat-free offshore islands. Apart from a small population on the Wellington coastline, they are restricted to the montane and subalpine tussock regions of the South Island. Ida Range, Oteake Conservation Park *
