Brooklime Gull Weevil
Gymnetron veronicae
The Brooklime Gull Weevil (Gymnetron veronicae) is a small, specialized beetle that feeds exclusively on brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and related speedwell species. This tiny weevil, measuring just 2-3mm in length, has a distinctive dark metallic sheen and plays a crucial role in regulating populations of its host plants in wetland ecosystems.
24
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Raoul Gerend, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Raoul Gerend
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Curculionidae
Genus
Gymnetron
Brooklime Gull Weevil belongs to the family Curculionidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Brooklime Gull Weevil (Gymnetron veronicae) is a small, specialized beetle that feeds exclusively on brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and related speedwell species. This tiny weevil, measuring just 2-3mm in length, has a distinctive dark metallic sheen and plays a crucial role in regulating populations of its host plants in wetland ecosystems.
The Brooklime Gull Weevil faces significant threats from habitat loss and degradation as wetland areas and riparian zones where its host plant brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) grows are increasingly impacted by agricultural expansion, urban development, and water management practices. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and temperature regimes that affect both the weevil and its obligate host plant relationship.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits freshwater wetlands, stream margins, pond edges, and other moist areas where its host plant brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) grows, typically in shallow water or saturated soils of riparian zones and marshy areas.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Wetland habitat loss and degradation
Climate change impacts on host plant distribution
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Water pollution and eutrophication
Found in 24 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brooklime Gull Weevil (Gymnetron veronicae). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brooklime-gull-weevil