Length 3-4mm approximately. This insect was introduced to Australia as a biological control agent for Spear Thistle. Different strains were also introduced for control of Variegated Thistle and Nodding Thistle (Landcare Note 148).
Classification
from Australian Faunal Directory
Order Coleoptera - Beetles, 24955 named species in Australia
Superfamily Curculionoidea - Weevils, about 6500 named species in Australia
Family Curculionidae - typical weevils, 3685 named species in Australia
Subfamily Molytinae - 1122 named species in Australia
Genus Rhinocyllus
Species Rhinocyllus conicus