Oviposition-plasticity
Guides
Apodemia
metalmark butterflies
Apodemia is a New World genus of metalmark butterflies (family Riodinidae) ranging from Canada to Brazil. The genus contains approximately 18 described species, including the type species Apodemia mormo (Mormon metalmark). Species-level taxonomy has undergone revision; Apodemia paucipuncta was transferred to the new genus Hallonympha based on morphological and behavioral characters. Oviposition behavior varies geographically: northern populations of A. mormo deposit single eggs on soil or rocks, while southern populations lay eggs in groups on host plants.
Zabrotes subfasciatus
Mexican bean weevil
Zabrotes subfasciatus, commonly known as the Mexican bean weevil, is a small bruchine beetle that infests stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Females deposit eggs on seed coats; larvae develop endophytically within the cotyledons, consuming the seed from the inside. A single seed can support up to 20 emerging adults. The species has demonstrated capacity to utilize alternative hosts including cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), lentil, chickpea, and soybean, with populations showing plasticity in host preference through artificial selection. Development from egg to adult takes approximately 34 days at 27°C and 70% relative humidity. Maximum female fecundity is around 55 eggs. The species is a significant post-harvest pest in tropical regions, with reported production losses up to 35%.