Bruchini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bruchini: /bruˈkiːni/

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Summary

The Bruchini tribe encompasses various species of bean weevils or seed beetles, known for infesting seeds and beans. They exhibit a range of sizes and colors, and their life cycle is closely tied to their host plants. They are significant both ecologically and economically, particularly as pests in agriculture.

Physical Characteristics

Bean weevils are generally compact and oval in shape, with small heads somewhat bent under. Sizes range from 1 to 22 mm for some tropical species. Colors are usually black or brown, often with mottled patterns. They exhibit short elytra that do not quite reach the tip of the abdomen.

Identification Tips

Adults have a habit of feigning death and dropping from a plant when disturbed, and they possess mandibles that may be elongated but lack the long snouts characteristic of true weevils.

Habitat

Bean weevils typically infest seeds or beans, predominantly found living inside a single seed for most of their lives. Host plants are mostly legumes but can include Convolvulaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae.

Distribution

Found worldwide, with several species native to Great Britain; some records indicate introduced species in stored products in warehouses and dwellings.

Diet

Granivorous, primarily feeding on seeds or beans.

Life Cycle

Adults deposit eggs on seeds, and larvae will chew their way into the seed. When ready to pupate, larvae cut an exit hole, then return to their feeding chamber.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on seeds, which is the starting point for the larvae's development.

Ecosystem Role

Bean weevils play a role in seed predation, influencing plant population dynamics and ecology.

Economic Impact

Several species are considered pests due to their infestation of stored beans and seeds.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Hand collection from host plants

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Bean weevils were historically treated as a separate family but are now classified as a subfamily under Chrysomelidae.

Similar Taxa

• True weevils
• Other seed beetles

Misconceptions

Commonly mistaken for true weevils due to their appearance and feeding habits, but they lack the characteristic elongated snouts.

Tags

• beetles
• Bruchidae
• granivores
• seed pests
• entomology