Attelabidae

The Attelabidae family, commonly known as leaf-rolling weevils or leaf-folding weevils, is a distinctive group of beetles (Coleoptera) known for their behavior of rolling or folding leaves to create protective cases for their eggs and larvae. These are small to medium-sized beetles, typically 3–10 mm long. They have elongated snouts (rostrums). though shorter than in many other weevils. Elbowed antennae that are often clubbed at the end. Compact bodies, that are often brightly colored (red, black, metallic green, or blue), and strong legs for gripping and manipulating leaves.

One of the most notable traits of Attelabidae is their leaf-rolling behavior, the females cut and roll sections of leaves into a cylindrical or conical shape. Then they lay eggs inside these rolled or folded leaves. The larvae feed safely within the rolled leaf, protected from predators and desiccation. The rolling process can take hours, and the precision of the cuts and folds varies by species — some make perfect cigar-shaped rolls, others create loose folds.

Important herbivores in forest ecosystems, where the leaf rolls contribute to litter dynamics and microhabitat formation. Though some species are minor pests of fruit trees and ornamentals, most are harmless.