Amblycerini
Amblycerini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Bruchinae
- Tribe: Amblycerini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Amblycerini: //ˌæmblɪˈsɛrɪˌnaɪ//
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Images
Summary
Amblycerini is a tribe of beetles known as bean weevils or seed beetles, which primarily infests seeds. They are compact and oval-shaped, live inside seeds during their lifecycle, and can be significant pests in agriculture and storage environments. They have a wide distribution and play a role in seed ecology.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are generally compact and oval, with small heads that are somewhat bent under. Sizes range from 1 to 22 mm. Colors are usually black or brown, often with mottled patterns. The elytra are short and do not quite reach the tip of the abdomen.
Identification Tips
Look for the short elytra and the compact, oval shape. The absence of long snouts, typical of true weevils, is a key feature.
Habitat
Primarily associated with seeds, particularly legumes. They may also be found in plants from the families Convolvulaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae.
Distribution
Widely distributed worldwide; some species are native to regions like Great Britain, while others have been introduced to warehouses and dwellings.
Diet
They are granivores and typically infest various kinds of seeds or beans, living most of their lives inside a single seed.
Life Cycle
Adults deposit eggs on seeds; larvae chew their way into the seed and create feeding chambers. Larvae cut an exit hole to pupate but usually return to their feeding chamber afterward.
Reproduction
Eggs are deposited on host seeds, where the larvae will develop and feed.
Ecosystem Role
As seed beetles, they play a role in seed predation, affecting plant regeneration and biodiversity.
Economic Impact
Several species are considered pests, particularly in agricultural settings as they infest stored grains and seeds.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection from infested seeds
- Using insect traps near host plants
Preservation Methods
- Pinned specimens
- Preserved in alcohol
Evolution
Originally classified as a separate family, now considered a subfamily within Chrysomelidae.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for other weevil families due to their physical similarity; they lack the elongated snouts characteristic of true weevils.
Tags
- beetles
- Amblycerini
- seed predators
- pests
- Chrysomelidae