Excavation mechanics of the elongated female rostrum of the acorn weevil Curculio glandium (Coleoptera; Curculionidae)

Abstract Elongated rostra (snouts) are remarkable features of many female weevils. The Curculio glandium uses the snout to excavate channels in acorns oviposit. Considering slenderness rostrum, excavation solid substrates without buckling is a challenging task from both engineering and biological points view. Here we aimed examine roles material properties morphology rostrum its resistance. We employed microscopy techniques, non-destructive characterisation finite element (FE) modelling shed more light on mechanics rostrum. found that sexual dimorphisms present not only length but also material, particularly elastic modulus, morphological features, curvature thickness cuticular layers. Our FE showed those factors play essential maximise resistance minimise bending during excavation, needs be straightened buckling, functionality likely compromise between flexibility stiffness.