Seed-pest
Guides
Alphitobius laevigatus
Black Fungus Beetle
Alphitobius laevigatus, commonly known as the black fungus beetle, is a darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. The species is native to Europe and has been introduced to North America and other regions including the Galápagos Islands. It is commercially bred in large quantities as animal feed, with larvae marketed under the trade name "buffalo worms"—though this name is also used for the related Alphitobius diaperinus, causing potential confusion. Unlike A. diaperinus, A. laevigatus has not been used or discussed for human consumption.
Araecerus
coffee bean weevil (A. fasciculatus)
Araecerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, containing several species including the economically significant coffee bean weevil. The genus includes both described species and multiple undescribed species discovered in Papua New Guinea. Species within this genus are primarily associated with seeds and fruits, with some exhibiting broad polyphagy on stored agricultural products.
Cylindrocopturus eatoni
pine reproduction weevil
A weevil species in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the pine reproduction weevil. Adults are black with dense grayish scales and are capable fliers, though they frequently hop when disturbed. The species is a documented pest of young ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Jeffrey pine (P. jeffreyi), attacking reproductive structures and bark. It has been observed in Oregon and is associated with coniferous forest habitats.
Delia platura
seedcorn maggot, bean seed fly
Delia platura is a cosmopolitan polyphagous pest in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as the seedcorn maggot or bean seed fly. It attacks germinating seeds and seedlings of over 40 host plants including corn, soybeans, beans, peas, and cruciferous vegetables. Larvae typically feed on decaying organic matter but will invade healthy plant tissue when cool, wet spring conditions delay crop germination, causing significant agricultural losses. The species is also a documented vector of bacterial pathogens, including Erwinia amylovora which causes fire blight in apple and pear trees. Two cryptic genetic lines (H-line and N-line) with distinct distributions and mating behaviors have been identified, with H-line females showing strong mate selectivity.
Paracrias
Paracrias is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, occurring exclusively in the New World with greatest diversity in the tropics. Larvae are gregarious parasitoids of immature stages of beetles, primarily within Curculionoidea. Host records include weevils (Curculionidae), leaf-rolling weevils (Attelabidae), and bruchine seed beetles (Chrysomelidae). The genus has been studied for its potential as a biological control agent of seed and bud pests.