The Cavity Weevil (Curculio dentalis) is a parasite of mammalian teeth.
It drills through the enamel with its long rostrum, depositing eggs in the soft pulp. The larvae eat through the supporting tissues of the tooth, making them rot to leave an opening for the adult to exit.
Their name comes from the belief that these weevils use pre-existing weaknesses, like cavities, to help them break through the enamel. Despite that, C. dentalis have been observed puncturing fully healthy teeth.
Studies have shown their jaws are reinforced with iron and copper, making them into effective drills.















