The textures of the scales on this weevil are incredible - I was amazed when I looked at it on the computer; they didn't look much at all with the naked eye!

This Nettle Weevil, Phyllobius pomaceus, is a frequent species on patches of Stinging Nettle.

The basic colour in this species is black, but it is extensively coated with metallic green to blue-green (sometimes also golden or coppery) scales. With age, more of the black ground colour is revealed as the scales are rubbed off.