Seed-beetle
Guides
Acanthoscelides aureolus
Licorice Seed Beetle
Acanthoscelides aureolus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the Licorice Seed Beetle. It is distributed across Central America and North America, with records extending as far north as Alberta, Canada. The genus Acanthoscelides is known for seed-feeding beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
Acanthoscelides chiricahuae
Acanthoscelides chiricahuae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Fall in 1910. The species is found in Central America and North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to the Chiricahua region of southeastern Arizona. As a member of the subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles), it likely develops in seeds of leguminous host plants, though specific host associations have not been documented in the available sources.
Acanthoscelides fumatus
Acanthoscelides fumatus is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is native to North and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with leguminous plants. The specific epithet 'fumatus' refers to the smoky or dusky coloration typical of this species.
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
leucaena bruchine beetle, leucaena seed beetle
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus is a seed-feeding beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, native to the Neotropics and now widely distributed through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a specialist seed predator of Leucaena species, particularly the invasive weed Leucaena leucocephala, and has been introduced as a biological control agent in multiple regions. Adults are small beetles that oviposit on or near host seeds; larvae develop endophagously within seeds, passing through four distinct instars before emerging by cutting a circular exit window.
Acanthoscelides margaretae
a. margaretae or near
Acanthoscelides margaretae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Johnson in 1970. It belongs to a genus of seed beetles commonly associated with leguminous plants. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Acanthoscelides pallidipennis
Acanthoscelides pallidipennis is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. Native to North America, it has been introduced to East Asia including Japan, where it was first recorded in 1997–1999. The species is a specialist seed predator of the introduced legume Amorpha fruticosa, achieving extremely high seed predation rates in its introduced range. It is subject to parasitism by Eupelmus wasps.
Acanthoscelides pectoralis
Acanthoscelides pectoralis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically placed in the subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles). The species was described by Horn in 1873 and has a documented distribution spanning Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with leguminous host plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited in the available literature. The genus Acanthoscelides contains numerous species that are economically significant as pests of stored legumes and agricultural crops.
Acanthoscelides quadridentatus
Acanthoscelides quadridentatus is a seed beetle (Bruchinae) native to the Americas with introduced populations in Australia and southern Asia. In its native Brazilian Cerrado range, it exhibits phenotypic plasticity with two distinct morphs: melanic individuals that are approximately 1.1-fold larger, and lighter, smaller individuals. The species is a specialist seed predator of Mimosa setosa, attacking both M. setosa var. paludosa and M. setosa var. setosa. Attacked seeds fail to germinate, making this beetle a significant mortality factor for its host plant.
Acanthoscelides seminulum
Acanthoscelides seminulum is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It was described by Horn in 1873. The species is found in North America, with records from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As a member of the genus Acanthoscelides, it belongs to a group commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, many of which are associated with leguminous plants.
Acanthoscelides tenuis
Acanthoscelides tenuis is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Bottimer in 1935. The species belongs to a genus whose members are commonly known as bean weevils or seed beetles, with larvae typically developing inside legume seeds. It is known to occur in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Acanthoscelides tridenticulatus
Acanthoscelides tridenticulatus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically within the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. It was described by Bottimer in 1969 and is known from North America. The genus Acanthoscelides comprises numerous seed beetles, many of which are associated with legume host plants.
Algarobius
Algarobius is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, comprising approximately six described species. The genus is notable for its association with leguminous plants, particularly Prosopis species (mesquites). Algarobius prosopis has been widely used as a biological control agent against invasive mesquite weeds in South Africa. These beetles are specialized seed-feeders whose larvae develop within seeds.
Algarobius bottimeri
Kiawe Bean Weevil, Bottimer's Texas Bruchid
Algarobius bottimeri is a small seed-feeding beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. Commonly called the kiawe bean weevil or Bottimer's Texas bruchid, it is associated with legume seeds, particularly those of mesquite and related plants in the genus Prosopis. The species has been documented across Central America, North America, and Oceania, likely facilitated by human transport of host plant seeds. Like other bruchine beetles, its larvae develop inside seeds.
Algarobius prosopis
Prosopis Seed Beetle
Algarobius prosopis is a seed-feeding bruchid beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It has been introduced to South Africa as a biological control agent for invasive mesquite weeds (Prosopis species). Native parasitoids in the introduced range interfere with its efficacy as a biocontrol agent. The species has a broad native distribution spanning Africa, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), Central America, and North America.
Althaeus folkertsi
velvetleaf seed beetle
Althaeus folkertsi, the velvetleaf seed beetle, is a seed weevil in the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly treated as family Bruchidae). Adults are extremely small, measuring 1.5–2.5 mm in length. The species is associated with velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and related mallows, developing within the seeds. It occurs in North America.
Amara ellipsis
Amara ellipsis is a species of seed-eating ground beetle in the family Carabidae. It was originally described as Celia ellipsis by Casey in 1918. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Amara, it belongs to a group of ground beetles commonly known as sun beetles or seed beetles.
Amara pallipes
Amara pallipes is a seed-eating ground beetle in the family Carabidae. The species is native to North America and has been recorded in Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Amara, it belongs to a group of carabid beetles commonly known as sun beetles or seed beetles, many of which are associated with open habitats.
Amblycerini
Amblycerini is a tribe of seed beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Bridwell in 1932. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with seeds as developmental hosts. The genus Spermophagus, a well-studied member of this tribe, shows complex evolutionary patterns of host plant colonization. The tribe is taxonomically accepted and contains multiple genera of seed-feeding beetles.
Amblycerus
pea and bean weevils, seed beetles
Amblycerus is the second most diverse genus of seed beetles in the Americas, containing over 60 described species. These bruchid beetles are specialized seed predators, with larvae developing inside seeds of various host plants. The genus exhibits complex evolutionary patterns of host plant association, having radiated from an ancestral association with Fabaceae into at least 12 other plant families including Sterculiaceae, Boraginaceae, and Humiriaceae. Species-level identification requires examination of male genitalia and pygidial morphology.
Amblycerus robiniae
Locust Seed Beetle
Amblycerus robiniae is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the locust seed beetle. The species is distributed across North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, Ontario) and the United States (Vermont). As a member of the genus Amblycerus, it is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly species in the genus Robinia.
Amblycerus vitis
Arizona Grape Bruchid
Amblycerus vitis is a seed beetle (subfamily Bruchinae) commonly known as the Arizona Grape Bruchid. The species is a specialist herbivore associated with wild grape species in the genus Vitis, particularly in arid regions of the southwestern United States. As a member of the tribe Amblycerini, it exhibits the typical bruchid life history of larval development within seeds.
Bruchidius terrenus
Bruchidius terrenus is a seed beetle (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) first described by Sharp in 1886. The species has been recorded across parts of Europe (Bulgaria, France, Romania) and the conterminous United States, though its North American presence may represent introduction. Like other Bruchidius species, it is a seed-feeding beetle whose larvae develop inside legume seeds. The species has been treated under the genus Pygobruchidius in some classifications, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty in this group.
Bruchini
seed beetles, bean weevils
Bruchini is a tribe of small beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles or bean weevils. Despite their common name, they are true beetles (Coleoptera), not weevils (Curculionidae). Members of this tribe are characterized by their compact, oval bodies and association with legume and other plant seeds. The tribe contains numerous genera, including Bruchus and Acanthoscelides, many of which are significant agricultural pests.
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 brachialis
Vetch Bruchid
Bruchus brachialis, the vetch bruchid, is a univoltine seed beetle specialized on vetch (Vicia spp.). Adults emerge from overwintering sites in spring, feed on vetch flowers and pollen, and oviposit on developing pods. Larvae complete development within seeds, with new adults emerging to briefly feed before entering summer aestivation. The species shows tight phenological synchronization with host plant flowering and seed development. It occurs across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America, and is recognized as an agricultural pest of pulse crops.
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.
Bruchus pisorum
pea weevil, pea beetle, pea seed beetle
Bruchus pisorum is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly but incorrectly known as the pea weevil due to historical taxonomic confusion with true weevils (Curculionidae). It is a significant agricultural pest of cultivated pea (Pisum sativum), with larvae developing inside pea seeds. The species is now cosmopolitan in distribution, having spread from its native range in Western Asia through human-mediated transport in stored seeds. It is univoltine, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring to infest pea crops.
Callosobruchus phaseoli
cowpea weevil, bean weevil
Callosobruchus phaseoli is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as the cowpea weevil. Native to India, it has become a widespread invasive pest of legume crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Adults emerge from infested seeds and immediately mate, with females beginning egg-laying on the same day. The species causes significant damage to stored legume seeds and is known to exhibit scramble competition behavior during larval development.
Caryedon
pea and bean weevils, groundnut bruchids
Caryedon is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably C. serratus (groundnut bruchid) and C. gonagra (also called groundnut bruchid), which infest stored legume seeds. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Fabaceae hosts and have been documented across the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Caryobruchus
pea and bean weevils
Caryobruchus is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chryselidae, commonly known as 'pea and bean weevils.' The genus contains approximately six described species, including one extinct species, Caryobruchus dominicanus, known from Dominican Republic amber. Members of this genus are specialized seed predators, primarily associated with palms (Arecaceae). The most widely distributed species, Caryobruchus gleditsiae, has been introduced from the New World to the Old World and feeds on seeds from at least 11 genera of palms.
Caryobruchus gleditsiae
Palm Seed Weevil
Caryobruchus gleditsiae is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (formerly Bruchidae), notable as the largest bruchid species in the United States. Adults range from 4 to 11 mm in length, with body size determined by the size of the palm seed in which the larva developed. The species develops exclusively inside palm seeds and has been recorded from at least 11 genera in the Arecaceae family. It is widely distributed across the New World and has been introduced to the Old World.
Gibbobruchus
pea and bean weevils, seed beetles
Gibbobruchus is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), first described by Pic in 1913. The genus contains approximately seven described species distributed in the Americas. Members are primarily associated with seeds of Bauhinia (Fabaceae) and related genera in the tribe Cercideae. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with new species described from the Amazon basin and phylogenetic analyses supporting monophyly and distinct species groups.
Kytorhinus
Kytorhinus is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae, family Chrysomelidae. The genus includes species that are specialized seed predators of leguminous plants. Kytorhinus sharpianus, the most studied species, exhibits complex multivoltine life cycles with photoperiodically induced larval diapause and shows female-biased sex ratios in field populations. Adults are small beetles that oviposit on host plant pods, with larvae developing inside seeds.
Megabruchidius
Megabruchidius is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Borowiec in 1984. The genus comprises Asian species that have become invasive in Europe, North America, South America, and South Africa. At least two species are well-documented: M. dorsalis and M. tonkineus, both specialized feeders on seeds of Gleditsia (honey locusts) and related Caesalpinioideae legumes. These beetles complete their entire larval development inside seeds, emerging as adults through exit holes. The genus has attracted significant research attention due to its economic impact as a pest of ornamental and forestry trees, its expanding host range in introduced regions, and its potential use as a biological control agent for invasive honey locust.
Megabruchidius dorsalis
honey locust seed beetle, Asian seed beetle
Megabruchidius dorsalis is an invasive seed beetle (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) native to Asia that has established populations across Europe and North America. The species is oligophagous on Caesalpinioideae seeds, primarily developing within pods of Gleditsia species. Adults exhibit freeze-avoidant cold tolerance strategy with supercooling points around -10°C. The beetle has demonstrated host range expansion in its introduced range, colonizing North American Gymnocladus dioica in addition to its native Asian Gleditsia hosts.
Megacerus
Large-horned Bruchids
Megacerus is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as large-horned bruchids. The genus contains approximately nine described species in North America. Species in this genus are seed specialists, with larvae developing endophytically within seeds of host plants, primarily in the family Convolvulaceae. Adults are characterized by prominent genal or frontal horns, particularly in males. The genus has been studied for its potential use in biological control of weedy bindweeds.
Megacerus cubiculus
Cubical Bruchid
Megacerus cubiculus is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as the Cubical Bruchid. It occurs across Central and North America. Like other members of the genus Megacerus, it is associated with leguminous host plants. The species has been documented in 488 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is moderately well-recorded.
Megacerus impiger
Megacerus impiger is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. The genus Megacerus belongs to the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles, though this species' specific biology remains poorly documented.
Megacerus maculiventris
Megacerus maculiventris is a leaf beetle species in the family Chrysomelidae. The genus Megacerus is placed within the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles or bean weevils, though these are true beetles rather than weevils. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning the Americas. Available sources provide minimal specific information about this species beyond its taxonomic placement and distribution.
Merobruchus insolitus
White Dart Bruchid
Merobruchus insolitus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Sharp in 1885. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species is commonly known as the White Dart Bruchid. As a member of the genus Merobruchus, it belongs to a group of seed beetles typically associated with leguminous host plants.
Merobruchus terani
Merobruchus terani is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1980. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with legume seeds, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species occurs in Central America and North America.
Mimosestes
pea and bean weevils
Mimosestes is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 13 described species. These beetles are associated with legume seeds and have been documented as introduced species in some regions, including Hawaii. The genus has been subject to phylogenetic studies examining host plant utilization patterns. Some species serve as hosts for parasitoid wasps, including the braconid Urosigalphus mimosestes.
Mimosestes amicus
Mimosestes amicus is a small beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae, originally described as Bruchus amicus by Horn in 1873. It occurs in North America, Central America, and Hawaii. The species has been documented with new host plant records, though specific hosts are not detailed in available sources. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with leguminous plants.
Mimosestes nubigens
Mimosestes nubigens is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae (seed beetles). It has been recorded across an exceptionally broad geographic range spanning five continents, including North America, Central America, South America, Southern Asia, and Oceania. The genus Mimosestes is associated with leguminous host plants, particularly species of Mimosa. This wide distribution suggests either human-mediated dispersal or association with widely cultivated host plants.
Mimosestes ulkei
retama weevil
Mimosestes ulkei, commonly known as the retama weevil, is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (subfamily Bruchinae). The species was originally described by Horn in 1873 as Bruchus ulkei and later transferred to the genus Mimosestes. It is distributed across Central America and North America. Like other members of the Bruchinae, this species is associated with leguminous host plants.
Neltumius arizonensis
Black and White Black Variegated Bruchid
Neltumius arizonensis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, specifically placed in the seed beetle subfamily Bruchinae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. Despite its specific epithet suggesting an Arizona connection, detailed ecological and biological information remains sparse in published literature.
Neltumius texanus
Snakewood Bruchid
Neltumius texanus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, found in Central America and North America. It is commonly known as the Snakewood Bruchid. The genus Neltumius was previously placed in the family Bruchidae (seed beetles) before that family was subsumed into Chrysomelidae. The specific epithet "texanus" indicates a connection to Texas, though the precise nature of this association (type locality or broader distribution) is not detailed in available sources. The species is represented by relatively few observations, with only 6 records documented on iNaturalist.
Pachymerina
Pachymerina is a subtribe of seed beetles within the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. The group was established by Bridwell in 1929 and is classified within the tribe Pachymerini. Members of this subtribe are characterized by their association with legume seeds. The taxonomic placement reflects morphological and biological affinities among constituent genera.
Pachymerini
Pachymerini is a tribe of seed beetles (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae) established by Bridwell in 1929. Members are primarily associated with legume seeds as hosts. The tribe includes several genera of economic importance due to their seed-feeding habits.
Pachymerus
Pachymerus is a genus of seed beetles in the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly Bruchidae), family Chrysomelidae. Species in this genus are specialized seed predators of palms (Arecaceae), with documented associations including Syagrus coronata (licuri palm), Syagrus romanzoffiana (queen palm), and babassu palms (Orbinya spp.). The genus has been studied for its tritrophic interactions with parasitoid wasps, particularly Heterospilus species, and its role in palm seed predation in Neotropical ecosystems.