A nose for mangoes

SOUTH PERTH, AUSTRALIA

Seen up close like this, the snout of a mango seed weevil (Sternochetus

mangiferae) appears to be of elephantine proportions. But it’s actually tiny – the entire creature only measures

7 to 10mm in length.

The insect, which is a major agricultural pest, gets its name from its practice of laying its eggs in mangoes. When the weevil larvae hatch about a week later, they burrow into the fruit’s seed to continue developing.