Acanthoscelides alboscutellatus
(Horn, 1873)
Acanthoscelides alboscutellatus is a seed beetle ( Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) distributed across North and Central America. overwinter inside the fruit of Ludwigia alternifolia, where fruit dehiscence patterns create variable conditions. Winter survival depends on exposure level and location, with higher on the ground than above ground. Body size is influenced by overwintering site quality, with selection for smaller size in enclosed fruit due to exit mortality.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthoscelides alboscutellatus: //əˌkænθoʊˈskɛlaɪdiːz ˌælboʊskjʊtəˈleɪtəs//
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Habitat
Associated with Ludwigia alternifolia (Onagraceae); overwinter inside fruit. microhabitats range from enclosed indehiscent fruit to dehisced fruit with varying exposure levels. Beetles occur both above ground and on the ground surface within fruit.
Distribution
North America and Central America (Middle America). Documented in temperate region of Ludwigia alternifolia.
Seasonality
overwinter inside fruit; and from fruit occurs in spring.
Diet
Seed ; feeds on seeds of Ludwigia alternifolia.
Host Associations
- Ludwigia alternifolia - plant overwinter inside fruit; larval development occurs in seeds
Life Cycle
occurs as inside plant fruit. Adults eclose from fruit in spring. Winter survival is influenced by degree of fruit dehiscence and overwintering site location.
Behavior
enter inside fruit for winter. Beetles in indehiscent fruit suffer high mortality when attempting to exit at due to physical constraints. Exposure to ambient conditions during affects survival rates.
Ecological Role
Seed on Ludwigia alternifolia. size and body size composition are shaped by plant-mediated variation in site quality.
More Details
Overwintering mortality
Exposure, location, and their interaction account for approximately 80% of observed variation in winter survival. Beetles in indehiscent fruit experience strong selection for small body size because larger individuals cannot exit and die.