Seed-beetle
Guides
Pachymerus nucleorum
Coconut Borer
Pachymerus nucleorum is a bruchine seed beetle that develops within palm seeds, primarily attacking species in the Arecaceae family. Larvae feed on endosperm inside hard-shelled fruits, with documented hosts including babassu palm (Attalea/Orbinya spp.), licuri palm (Syagrus coronata), and queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana). The species occurs in Brazilian biomes including Caatinga and Atlantic Forest remnants, where it functions as a primary seed predator. Adults are subject to parasitism by braconid wasps, particularly Heterospilus prosopodis. The species has been observed in both natural vegetation and managed habitats, with parasitism rates varying by habitat complexity.
Penthobruchus
Penthobruchus is a genus of bruchine beetles (formerly placed in family Bruchidae, now subfamily Bruchinae within Chrysomelidae) established by Kingsolver in 1973. At least one species, Penthobruchus germaini, has been investigated as a biological control agent for the invasive tree Parkinsonia aculeata. The genus is poorly documented in public sources, with limited biological information available beyond host associations.
Penthobruchus germaini
Palo Verde seed beetle
Penthobruchus germaini is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (formerly placed in Bruchidae, now treated as the subfamily Bruchinae). It has been studied as a biological control agent for Parkinsonia aculeata, a woody legume invasive in rangelands. The species specializes on seeds of this host plant, with larvae developing inside pods.
Sennius
seed beetles, pea and bean weevils
Sennius is a New World genus of seed beetles (subfamily Bruchinae) within Chrysomelidae, containing at least 20 described species. Species are organized into multiple species groups, with the S. abbreviatus group being the largest and most thoroughly studied, comprising 14 species. The genus is characterized by distinctive male genitalia morphology, particularly patterns of sclerites and internal sac structure. Several species have been described from Mexico, Central America, and South America, with ongoing taxonomic revisions revealing new species and clarifying host plant relationships.
Sennius lebasi
pea weevil, bean weevil
Sennius lebasi is a seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, placed in the S. abbreviatus species group. The lectotype was designated in a 2013 taxonomic revision. Members of this group are distinguished by patterns of sclerites and the shape of the male internal sac. The species occurs across the Neotropical region.
Sennius leucostauros
Sennius leucostauros is a seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described in 1973. It belongs to the S. abbreviatus species group, which is distinguished by patterns of sclerites and the shape of the male internal sac. The species occurs in Central and North America. As a member of Sennius, it likely develops in seeds, though specific host plants have not been documented.
Sennius medialis
Sennius medialis is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, first described by Sharp in 1885. Members of this genus are associated with leguminous host plants, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species is known from both Middle and North America based on collection records.
Sennius morosus
Sennius morosus is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in Central America and North America, with distribution records from Colombia, including the departments of Cundinamarca and Cauca. The species was described by Sharp in 1885. As a member of the genus Sennius, it belongs to a group of bruchine seed beetles associated with leguminous host plants.
Stator
seed beetles
Stator is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, established by Bridwell in 1946. The genus contains approximately 14 described species. Most members are specialized feeders on legume seeds (Fabaceae), with larvae developing inside seeds. These beetles are of economic importance as pests of stored legumes.
Stator beali
Four-spotted Ebony Bruchid
Stator beali is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae (subfamily Bruchinae), described by Johnson in 1963. It occurs in North America and Central America. The common name "Four-spotted Ebony Bruchid" suggests distinctive coloration. Laboratory studies have demonstrated reproductive compatibility with the congeneric species Stator limbatus.
Stator limbatus
Stator limbatus is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and northern South America. It has established populations in multiple regions outside its native range, including Hawaii, South Africa, the Middle East, and Mediterranean islands. The species occupies xeric and semi-arid environments and has been documented feeding on legume seeds.
Stator vachelliae
Stator vachelliae is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, first described by Bottimer in 1973. It is distributed across Central America, North America, and South America. The genus Stator is known to include seed beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Zabrotes arenarius
Zabrotes arenarius is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae. The species was described by Wolcott in 1912. Like other members of the genus Zabrotes, this species is associated with legume seeds, though specific host records for Z. arenarius remain limited. The genus is primarily distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Zabrotes bexarensis
Zabrotes bexarensis is a species of seed beetle in the subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1990. The genus Zabrotes contains species associated with legume seeds, though specific biological details for this species remain limited. It is recorded from North America with very few documented observations.
Zabrotes victoriensis
Zabrotes victoriensis is a species of seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, described by Kingsolver in 1990. The genus Zabrotes comprises seed beetles specialized on legume hosts, though species-specific biological data for Z. victoriensis remain limited. It is known from North America. The species epithet suggests a connection to Victoria, possibly referring to a type locality.