Amblycerus vitis
(Schaeffer, 1907)
Arizona Grape Bruchid
Amblycerus vitis is a seed beetle ( Bruchinae) commonly known as the Arizona Grape Bruchid. The is a herbivore associated with wild grape species in the Vitis, particularly in arid regions of the southwestern United States. As a member of the tribe Amblycerini, it exhibits the typical bruchid of larval development within seeds.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Amblycerus vitis: //æmˈblɪsərəs ˈvaɪtɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Arizona, southwestern United States
Diet
Seeds of wild grape (Vitis arizonica, Vitis californica)
Host Associations
- Vitis arizonica - primary Arizona grape
- Vitis californica - California wild grape
Ecological Role
Seed ; larvae develop within grape seeds, potentially affecting wild grape and seed
Similar Taxa
- Amblycerus robiniaeCongeneric seed beetle with similar and , but associated with locust (Robinia) seeds rather than grapes; distinguishable by plant and subtle morphological differences in antennal structure
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Bruchinae is sometimes treated as Bruchidae in older literature. Amblycerus vitis was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and has been subject to taxonomic revision and redescription in recent ecological studies.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- Curvature values, a new aspect in the morphology of grapevine seeds | Blog
- Waiter, there’s a fly on my fungus… | Beetles In The Bush
- Bug Eric: Blacklighting Already?
- Bug Eric: True Bug Tuesday: Mirid plant bug
- Exploring arctic plants and lichens
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Sassacus
- Ecology and Redescription of the Arizona Grape Bruchid, Amblycerus vitis (Coleoptera)