Pachymerus

Thunberg, 1805

Species Guides

1

Pachymerus is a of seed beetles in the Bruchinae (formerly Bruchidae), Chrysomelidae. in this genus are specialized seed of palms (Arecaceae), with documented associations including Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana ( palm), and babassu palms (Orbinya spp.). The genus has been studied for its tritrophic interactions with , particularly Heterospilus species, and its role in palm seed in Neotropical .

Pachymerus by (c) Lucas Rubio, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lucas Rubio. Used under a CC-BY license.Pachymerus by (c) Diogo Luiz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diogo Luiz. Used under a CC-BY license.Pachymerus nucleorum by (c) Luiz Puodzius, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Luiz Puodzius. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pachymerus: //ˌpækɪˈmɛrəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Associated with palm-dominated environments including Brazilian Caatinga, Atlantic Forest remnants, and managed pastures. occur where palm fruits are present, particularly in areas with fallen fruits on the soil surface under palm .

Distribution

Neotropical region, with documented records from Brazil (including Alagoas and semi-arid Caatinga regions) and Colombia.

Diet

Specialized seed of palm seeds (Arecaceae). Larvae feed internally on seeds within the hard endocarp of palm drupes. Documented seeds include Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana ( palm), and babassu palm (Orbinya spp.).

Host Associations

  • Syagrus coronata - seed licuri palm; fruits fallen on soil surface
  • Syagrus romanzoffiana - seed palm
  • Orbinya spp. - seed babassu palm
  • Heterospilus prosopodis - Braconidae
  • Heterospilus sp. - Braconidae

Life Cycle

Females lay on the surface of fallen palm fruits. Larvae develop inside the seed under the hard drupe endocarp, feeding on the seed tissue. Larval guts contain amylolytic for digesting starchy seed material. Development occurs protected within the seed, though larvae remain vulnerable to that can penetrate the endocarp.

Behavior

associated with fallen palm fruits on the ground. Abundance appears unaffected by management intensity (natural vs. managed pastures), though rates vary with habitat type.

Ecological Role

Seed in palm ; part of tritrophic involving . Serves as for braconid parasitoids. Contributes to natural dynamics and palm .

Human Relevance

Economic pest of economically important palm including oil palm and babassu. Subject to microbial association studies in agricultural contexts.

Tags

Sources and further reading