Acanthoscelidina
Bridwell, 1946
Genus Guides
16- Acanthoscelides(bean weevils)
- Algarobius
- Althaeus(velvetleaf seed beetle)
- Bruchidius
- Callosobruchus(bean weevils)
- Caryedes
- Gibbobruchus(pea and bean weevils)
- Megabruchidius
- Meibomeus
Acanthoscelidina is a subtribe of seed beetles within the tribe Bruchini, Bruchinae, Chrysomelidae. The group was established by Bridwell in 1946 and contains multiple of bruchine beetles. Members are characterized by morphological features of the male genitalia and other structural traits used in subtribal classification. The subtribe is well-represented in the Americas, with numerous associated with legume seeds.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthoscelidina: /ˌækænθoʊˈskɛlɪˌdaɪnə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Bruchini subtribes primarily by male genitalia , particularly the structure of the lobe and internal sac . External morphological characters are often insufficient for subtribal assignment without dissection and examination of genitalic structures.
Images
Distribution
Primarily distributed in the Americas, with greatest diversity in the Neotropical region. Some extend into the Nearctic region.
Host Associations
- Fabaceae - seed Larvae develop within seeds of leguminous plants, the primary for Bruchinae
Ecological Role
Seed specializing on legumes; larvae consume developing seeds within pods, potentially affecting plant recruitment and seed bank dynamics.
Human Relevance
Some are agricultural pests of stored legumes, though the subtribe as a whole is less economically significant than some other bruchine groups. The subtribe includes the Acanthoscelides, which contains several pest species.
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic history
Established by Bridwell in 1946 based on morphological studies of New World bruchines. The classification has been refined through subsequent work on male genitalia and molecular , though subtribal boundaries remain an active area of research.
iNaturalist observations
The subtribe has accumulated over 8,600 research-grade observations on iNaturalist, indicating substantial citizen science documentation of its constituent .