Lathyrus
Guides
Bruchus affinis
seed beetle
Bruchus affinis is a univoltine seed beetle native to the western Palaearctic Region, first recorded in North America in Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Québec) before 2007. It was likely introduced via imported Lathyrus seeds for planting. The species develops inside seeds of Lathyrus species, with adults feeding on pollen and nectar. Development from egg to adult requires approximately 60 days. The parasitoid Dinarmus basalis has been recorded causing about 10% mortality in Canadian populations.
Bruchus loti
Bruchus loti is a seed-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae that primarily attacks seeds of Lathyrus japonicus, a legume species. Its larvae bore through hard seed coats to consume seed contents, a behavior that can enhance germination by breaking seed dormancy. However, heavy consumption by unparasitised larvae reduces seed survival. The species is subject to parasitism by at least two idiobiont parasitoid wasp species, Pteromalus sp. and Dinarmus sp., which indirectly benefit the plant by reducing larval feeding intensity and improving seed germination outcomes.
Pima occidentalis
snout moth
Pima occidentalis is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae) native to the southwestern United States. The species was formerly treated as a subspecies of Pima albiplagiatella but is now recognized as distinct. Larvae are specialized feeders on Astragalus and Lathyrus species. Populations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona produce two generations annually.