Root-nodule-feeder
Guides
Rivellia coquilletti
Rivellia coquilletti is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Hendel in 1914. Signal flies in this genus are associated with leguminous plants, with larvae feeding on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The species is closely related to R. quadrifasciata and R. colei, with which it shares sympatric distributions in parts of North America. Adult signal flies are recognized by their characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific communication.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Rivellia winifredae
Rivellia winifredae is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Namba in 1956. It has been documented in association with Apios americana (groundnut), a leguminous plant native to eastern North America. As with other members of the genus Rivellia, the species likely has larvae that develop in root nodules of its host plant.
Sitona lineatus
pea leaf weevil, pea weevil, bean weevil
Sitona lineatus is an invasive weevil pest of pulse crops, particularly field pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba). Native to Europe and North Africa, it has established populations in western Canadian prairie provinces and is expanding southward into the northern United States. Adults feed on foliage, while larvae develop underground feeding on root nodules and Rhizobium bacteria. The species exhibits distinct spring and late-summer flight periods tied to temperature thresholds, with spring migration from overwintering sites driving crop colonization. Economic impacts include yield reductions up to 28% through combined foliar and root damage.
Sitonini
Sitonini is a tribe of broad-nosed weevils (Curculionidae: Entiminae) with a Holarctic distribution. Members are specialized feeders on Fabaceae, with adults consuming leaves and larvae feeding on root nodules. The tribe includes economically significant pests, particularly in the genera Sitona and Charagmus, which damage lupin and other legume crops in Europe.