Acanthoscelides atomus
(Fall, 1910)
Acanthoscelides atomus is a of seed beetle in the Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae. The species was described by Fall in 1910. Like other members of the Acanthoscelides, it is associated with leguminous plants, where larvae develop inside seeds. Available information about this specific species is limited, with only two observation records documented in iNaturalist and minimal published literature specifically addressing its or .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthoscelides atomus: /əˌkænθəˈsɛlaɪdiːz ˈætəməs/
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Identification
Members of Acanthoscelides can be distinguished from other bruchine by the presence of a distinct, enlarged, dentate or spinose hind with a carina bearing teeth or spines. Specific identification of A. atomus requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with ; the original description by Fall (1910) should be consulted for diagnostic features separating it from such as A. obtectus and A. pectoralis.
Distribution
Recorded from North America. Specific locality data beyond this regional designation is not available from published sources.
Similar Taxa
- Acanthoscelides obtectusSimilar size and general ; A. obtectus is a pest of stored beans and can be distinguished by specific genitalic structures and coloration patterns.
- Acanthoscelides pectoralisOverlapping distribution in North America; requires careful examination of hind leg armature and male genitalia for separation.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Acanthoscelides was revised by Johnson and Kingsolver, but A. atomus has received limited specific taxonomic attention since its original description. The epithet 'atomus' (Greek for 'indivisible' or 'atom') likely refers to the small size of this .
Data Limitations
This is poorly represented in collections and databases. The GBIF match and iNaturalist records provide minimal biological information. Comprehensive revision of North American Acanthoscelides would likely be necessary to establish reliable diagnostic characters, associations, and distribution details for A. atomus.