Oilseed-rape
Guides
Brassicogethes
pollen beetles
Brassicogethes is a genus of pollen beetles in the family Nitidulidae, subfamily Meligethinae. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Brassicaceae plants, with several species recognized as significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape (canola). The most economically important species is Brassicogethes aeneus, which causes substantial yield losses in oilseed rape crops across Europe. The genus was established in 2009, with species previously classified under Meligethes.
Brassicogethes aeneus
common pollen beetle, rape pollen beetle, rape blossom beetle
Brassicogethes aeneus is a small pollen beetle in the family Nitidulidae and a major pest of oilseed rape (canola) and other Brassica crops across Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Adults are 2–3 mm long, metallic black with greenish reflections, while larvae reach 3 mm and are white with brown sclerotized plates. The species causes significant economic damage through adult feeding and oviposition in flower buds, which can lead to bud abortion and yield losses up to 80% in spring oilseed rape. It was previously classified under the genus Meligethes. Populations show low genetic structure across Europe, indicating substantial gene flow, and are subject to biological control by hymenopteran parasitoids.
Ceutorhynchus
Ceutorhynchus is a large genus of true weevils comprising at least 400 described species. The genus is notable for its association with brassicaceous plants, with many species acting as stem miners or seedpod parasites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of oilseed rape, including C. napi, C. pallidactylus, and C. obstrictus. At least one species, C. succinus, is known from Eocene Baltic amber, indicating an ancient evolutionary history.
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus
Cabbage Stem Weevil
Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus, commonly known as the cabbage stem weevil, is a stem-mining weevil native to Europe and a significant pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern and central Europe. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Nova Scotia, Canada. Larvae mine within plant stems, causing damage that requires regular control measures in agricultural systems. The species exhibits complex ecological interactions, including competitive relationships with congeneric species and parasitism by larval endoparasitoids.
Ceutorhynchus typhae
Ceutorhynchus typhae is a stem weevil in the family Curculionidae. It has been documented as a pest of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in Latvia, where it emerges earlier than the more damaging congener C. pallidactylus. The species was first described by Herbst in 1795 and is currently accepted under this name. Distribution records indicate presence in Belgium and Canada (New Brunswick), though specific habitat associations beyond agricultural systems remain poorly documented.
Psylliodes
flea beetles
Psylliodes is a large cosmopolitan genus of flea beetles comprising approximately 200 described species worldwide. Members are characterized by enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, a trait shared with other Alticini. Approximately half of all species are specialized feeders on Brassicaceae, with the remainder associated with roughly 24 other plant families. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, including the cabbage stem flea beetle (P. chrysocephala) and potato flea beetle (P. affinis). The genus includes rare endemic species such as the Lundy Cabbage Flea Beetle (P. luridipennis), a globally Critically Endangered species restricted to a single island off the coast of England.