An unusual case of predation reversal is reported in which an adult Rhynchophorus palmarum caused the death of an insectivorous bird, Quiscalus mexicanus, during an attempted predation event. The observation suggests that the combination of an exceptionally hardened exoskeleton and the active use of recurved tibial spines allowed the weevil to firmly anchor to the bird’s neck, resulting in strangulation. This mechanical anti-predator mechanism has not been previously described and may represent a more widespread defensive strategy within the genus Rhynchophorus.