Super Mario Inspired Spininess

This Spiny Leaf-rolling Weevil (Paroplapoderus sp., Attelabidae) looks like a character straight out of Super Mario Bros. except sweeter, since it’s missing that angry scowl on its face.

And there’s no reason to have such a sad face! These guys are great at what they do – leaf rolling! Females cut slits into leaves to deposit their eggs and then roll that part of the leaf up into a cozy little house where the larvae will feed. Basically, they make a little tubular safe haven for their young. That’s something to be proud of so no scowls are necessary.