Legume-specialist
Guides
Bruchus
seed beetles, bean beetles, bean weevils
Bruchus is a genus of seed beetles in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, comprising approximately 36 species. The genus is characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology, including a large, sclerotized, boomerang-shaped ventral plate used in species identification. Members are specialized herbivores feeding almost exclusively on legumes in the tribe Fabeae (Vicieae), including peas, lentils, and vetches. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably B. lentis on lentils, B. pisorum on peas, and B. rufimanus on fava beans. The genus is primarily Palearctic in distribution, with some species introduced to North America, Africa, and Australia.
Caloptilia violacella
Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth
Caloptilia violacella is a small gracillariid moth with a wingspan of approximately 10 mm. The species is distributed across the eastern and central United States, with records from Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Larvae are leaf miners that feed on leguminous host plants including pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), tick-trefoils (Desmodium species), and Meibomia dillenii. The common name "Tick-Trefoil Caloptilia Moth" reflects its association with Desmodium host plants.
Colias eurytheme
Orange Sulphur, Alfalfa Butterfly, Alfalfa Caterpillar
Colias eurytheme, the orange sulphur or alfalfa butterfly, is a widespread North American pierid butterfly found from southern Canada to Mexico. The species is highly variable in coloration, with both orange and white morphs present, and exhibits complex thermal biology and sexual selection dynamics. Larvae are significant agricultural pests of alfalfa and other legumes, while adults are known for mass emigration events when host crops are harvested. The species has been extensively studied for its metabolic responses to temperature, costs of mating in females, and disruptive sexual selection patterns.
Ischnopterapion loti
Ischnopterapion loti is a small weevil species in the family Apionidae (formerly treated as Brentidae). It is a seed-feeding beetle associated with leguminous plants, particularly Lotus species. The genus Ischnopterapion is part of a group of apionid weevils characterized by their small size and elongated rostrum. The species was described by William Kirby in 1808 and occurs in Europe and parts of North America.
Phoebis
sulphurs, sulfurs
Phoebis, commonly known as sulphurs, is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. Members are characterized by bright yellow, orange, or white coloration. Several species are known for seasonal migration patterns, particularly northward movements in spring and southward returns in fall. The genus includes economically and ecologically significant species such as the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae), which has been extensively studied for its life history and host plant associations.
Plebejus acmon
Acmon Blue
Plebejus acmon, commonly known as the Acmon Blue, is a small butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found across western North America and is frequently encountered in diverse habitats from lowland areas to montane regions. The species is known to utilize various lupine species and other legumes as larval host plants. Adults are active spring through fall depending on elevation and region, with multiple generations produced annually in warmer areas.
Rhyssomatus
Rhyssomatus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) containing at least 180 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, particularly of soybean and other leguminous crops. Several species have been intensively studied due to their economic impact, including R. nigerrimus (Mexican soybean weevil), R. subtilis (black soybean weevil in Argentina), and R. lineaticollis (milkweed stem weevil in North America). Species exhibit diverse life histories ranging from monophagous specialists to oligophagous generalists on legumes.
Stilbosis tesquella
Hog-peanut Leaf-sewer
Stilbosis tesquella is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from 17 U.S. states and Quebec. The species is notable for its specialized larval diet on leguminous plants.