Beetle Crossword Clue

Today's (14 December 2023) crossword provided to us by Independent.co.uk - Concise and the clue is "Beetle".
The right answer or rather the best answer listed below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue for today's crossword puzzle is "Beetle" and the answer is "WEEVIL". Let's explore why this clue has this answer:

1. Similar appearance: The word "beetle" and "weevil" share a similar appearance with their hard exoskeleton and segmented bodies. This similarity in physical characteristics makes "weevil" a suitable answer for the clue.
2. Biological classification: Both beetles and weevils belong to the same insect order of Coleoptera. They share common characteristics like having front wings modified into hardened covers called elytra. This connection in their biological classification makes "weevil" a suitable answer for the clue.
3. Eating habits: Weevils are known for infesting and damaging stored grains, seeds, and crops. They are often considered pests in agricultural settings. Beetles, on the other hand, have a wide range of diets, including plant matter, insects, and even carrion. However, the specific context of the clue, which is "beetle," narrows down the answer to a weevil, which is more closely associated with damaging stored food. Therefore, "weevil" fits the eating habits described in the clue.
4. Common crossword answer: "Weevil" is a commonly used crossword answer for the clue "beetle" due to the frequent association between the two in crossword puzzles. Crossword enthusiasts familiar with this recurring clue-answer pair would easily identify "weevil" as the correct answer.

Considering these points, "weevil" satisfies the clue "beetle" based on their similar appearance, biological classification, eating habits, and its frequent use as the answer in crossword puzzles.

Definition of "WEEVIL"

a small beetle with an elongated snout, the larvae of which typically develop inside seeds, stems, or other plant parts. Many are pests of crops or stored foodstuffs.

 The Crossword clue "Beetle" published 37 time/s & has 11 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
Independent.co.uk - Concise	14 December 2023	WEEVIL
The Irish News Quick	2 August 2023	WEEVIL
Crossword Champ Daily	23 June 2023	SCARAB
Penny dell	1 April 2023	SCARAB
The Guardian Quick	23 December 2022	SCARAB
The Sun Two Speed	30 November 2022	SCARAB
Evening Standard - Easy	30 September 2022	GLOW-WORM
Mirror quick	31 December 2021	SCARAB
The Telegraph - Quick	19 December 2021	SCARAB
New York Times	1 October 2020	STAG
Evening Standard - Quick	15 September 2020	DOR
The Irish Independent Simple	21 April 2020	WEEVIL
Canadiana	18 July 2016	DOR
L.A. Times Daily	23 October 2005	BROWED