A large family (87 species) of small weevils, 1.5-3.5mm in length.  Most species are of a characteristic shape, with a long narrow rostrum, un-elbowed antennae and oval, rounded elytra widest behind the middle, giving the beetles a pear-shaped silhouette.  Largely plant-feeding, many species are restricted to a single host species although several similar species may feed on the same plant.  Only two species (Betulapion simile (Kirby) and Melanapion minimum (Herbst)) feed on trees, although another (Ixapion variegatum (Wencker)) is found on mistletoe. Several species are brightly coloured in red or metallic blue, but the majority of the species are black.