Acanthoscelidina
Acanthoscelidina
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Chrysomeloidea
- Family: Chrysomelidae
- Subfamily: Bruchinae
- Tribe: Bruchini
- Subtribe: Acanthoscelidina
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthoscelidina: /ˌækænθoʊˈskɛlɪˌdaɪnə/
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Summary
Acanthoscelidina is a subtribe of granivorous beetles known as bean weevils or seed beetles, which are characterized by their compact shape, seed-hosting behavior, and potential pest status in agriculture. Found worldwide, they play an important role in seed ecology while also posing economic challenges due to their feeding habits.
Physical Characteristics
Generally compact and oval in shape. Sizes range from 1 to 22 mm. Colors are usually black or brown with mottled patterns. Elytra are short, not quite reaching the tip of the abdomen. Mandibles may be elongated but they do not have the long snouts characteristic of true weevils.
Identification Tips
Look for compact, oval bodies with short elytra not covering the abdomen; they typically feign death when disturbed.
Habitat
Primarily associated with legumes; also found in families such as Convolvulaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae.
Distribution
Found worldwide. Several species are native to Great Britain, with some introduced species recorded from stored products in warehouses and dwellings.
Diet
Granivores, typically infesting various kinds of seeds or beans, living most of their lives inside a single seed.
Life Cycle
Adults deposit eggs on seeds. The larvae chew their way into the seed and, when ready to pupate, cut an exit hole and return to their feeding chamber.
Reproduction
Eggs are deposited on seeds from which the larvae hatch and infest the seed.
Ecosystem Role
Considered pests due to their infestation of seeds and beans.
Economic Impact
Several species are considered pests, potentially impacting agricultural production of legumes and stored grains.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Hand collection from host plants
Preservation Methods
- Pin mounting
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Historically treated as a separate family but now classified within Chrysomelidae.
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for true weevils due to their compact shape and feeding habits.
Tags
- Acanthoscelidina
- bean weevils
- Chrysomelidae
- insect ecology
- agricultural pests