Weevils make up the largest beetle group in Australia, comprising of a number of large families such as the ancient Belidae, the fungi-feeding Anthribidae and the "true" weevils - Curculionidae.

Weevils come in a great many shapes and sizes, colours and patterns and textures and some are sexually dimorphic. This huge diversity means that the higher classification of weevils is still in a state of flux. Generally, they are divided into two groups; primitive and "true". Primitive weevils have straight antennae, while true weevils have antennae that are bent. Many weevils can be distinguished from other beetles by their long nose or snout, called a rostrum.

All weevil adults and larvae eat plants - flowers, seeds, leaves, bark, wood and roots. Some species are a serious economical pest, by damaging trees, fruit, vegetables and grain crops such as wheat and cotton. They can also destroy stored dry goods such as flour, cereals, nuts and seeds.