It is used as an agent of biological pest control against Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus), which is classified as a noxious weed in some countries.

The adult feeds on gorse by digging into the soft tissue of the stem and spines with its snout, creating characteristic round holes as evidence.

It was first introduced to New Zealand in 1931[1] and to California as an agent of gorse control in the 1950s.

It is currently established in gorse populations in the western United States and in Hawaii.

Destruction of seeds may reduce the spread of gorse, which is the main method of biological control by this weevil.