Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Beetles, bugs, ants, and other insects without obvious wings - 1/4 inch - 1/2 inch long > Rose curculio

Rose curculio

Merhynchites bicolor

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 1/4 inch long.
Black head with long, narrow snout. Prothorax (area behind the head) and wing covers are red.

Where/When: Feeds on flower buds and stems of roses. Active in June and July.

Significance: Causes damaged petals and dead shoot tips. Feeding on stem below bud may cause stem to bend over.

More information on rose curculio