noun
true weevil; weevil of family Curculionidae
Refers to any member of the weevil family Curculionidae. A biological term; in everyday contexts, simply ゾウムシ may be used.
オサゾウムシは長い口吻が特徴的だ。
True weevils are characterized by their long snouts.
このオサゾウムシの標本は博物館に展示されている。
This specimen of a true weevil is on display at the museum.
ゾウムシ is a broader term for weevils in general, while オサゾウムシ specifically denotes the family Curculionidae (true weevils).
The name likely combines 筬 (おさ, 'reed' of a loom) with 象虫 (ぞうむし, 'weevil'), but the exact derivation is uncertain. The katakana spelling is standard for this biological term.