Pinstriped Ground Weevil – Dhahran Hills

Whilst out bird-watching with my daughters at the spray fields, they found a Pinstriped Ground Weevil Ammocieonus aschabadensis under some vegetation at the edge of the field. This is a species commonly found in Saudi Arabia around oasis fringes and on salt-flats. They possess a rostrum with jaws situated at the extremity which they use to bore into plant tissue. They normally found on the ground near vegetation although they are sometimes also seen in low vegetation. They have a hard cuticle that protects them from enemies and are very well camouflaged and when threatened roll over on their backs and lash out with their feet which are armed with sharp claws. They are mainly seen between April and August.

Pinstriped Ground Weevil

Whilst at the Damman Airport Pools we found a Pinstriped Ground Weevil (Ammocieonus aschabadensis) walking across the sabkha. These are common in Saudi Arabia on saltflats such as the area we were in. They are normally found on the ground near vegetation although they are sometimes also seen in low vegetation and use their strong jaws to bore into plant tissue. They have a hard cuticle that protects them from enemies and are very well camouflaged and when threatened roll over on their backs and lash out with their feet which are armed with sharp claws. More information can be found under the Wildlife tab at the top of the page.