Seed-predator

Guides

Pima boisduvaliella
Silver-edged Knot-horn
Pima boisduvaliella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae, commonly known as the Silver-edged Knot-horn. It has a broad distribution spanning most of Europe, parts of Asia, and northern North America. The species is notable for its larval feeding behavior inside the pods of leguminous host plants.
Pyralidae Phycitinae snout-moth legume-feeder seed-predator holarctic-distribution
Pima granitella
snout moth
Pima granitella is a species of snout moth in the family Pyralidae. Adults have a wingspan of approximately 29 mm. The species has one to two generations per year in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Larvae develop within legumes of host plants, feeding on seeds.
Pyralidae Phycitinae snout-moth legume-feeder seed-predator southwestern-US-fauna
Platyedra
Platyedra is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Platyedra gossypiella (Pink Bollworm), which attacks cotton, and Platyedra malvella (Hollyhock Seed Moth), which feeds on hollyhock seeds. The genus exhibits variation in life history strategies, with some species having facultative larval diapause influenced by environmental humidity. Species occur across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
agricultural-pest seed-predator cotton-pest hollyhock-pest diapause Gelechiidae
Pogonomyrmex
Typical American Harvester Ants, Harvester Ants
Pogonomyrmex is a genus of harvester ants comprising approximately 69 extant species, distributed primarily across arid and semi-arid regions of North, Central, and South America, with three endemic species from Haiti. These ants are characterized by their specialized seed-collecting behavior, constructing deep underground nests with conspicuous cleared nest disks that can exceed 10 meters in diameter. Workers of the subgenus sensu stricto possess a psammophore—a beard-like structure of long hairs beneath the head used for transporting seeds, sand, and eggs. The genus includes species with the most toxic insect venom documented, notably Pogonomyrmex maricopa, with an LD50 of 0.12 mg/kg in mice.
harvester-ant seed-predator keystone-species venomous granivore desert-fauna myrmecochory trophic-eggs caste-determination
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
harvester-ant seed-collecting-ant arid-adapted-ant Pogonomyrmex Myrmicinae Formicidae Hymenoptera Insecta Arthropoda Animalia Forel-1914 species accepted Pogonomyrmex-tenuispinus Pogonomyrmecini Aculeata Apocrita Hexapoda Eukaryota Metazoa Vespoidea insect ant seed-harvester desert-ant native-species keystone-species-candidate ecosystem-engineer myrmecochory nest-disk island-of-fertility stinging-ant venomous-insect arthropod hymenopteran formicid myrmicine-ant pogonomyrmecine-ant harvester-ant-species Pogonomyrmex-species North-American-ant western-North-America-ant arid-region-ant xeric-habitat-ant granivorous-ant seed-predator seed-disperser soil-engineer vegetation-engineer nest-rim-vegetation biodiversity-hotspot-creator food-web-participant predator prey insectivore-food-source rodent-defense mammal-defense painful-sting Schmidt-sting-pain-index Justin-Schmidt Derek-Uhey Richard-Hofstetter keystone-species pest-perception range-management rangeland-ecology restoration-ecology invasion-ecology native-plant-restoration drought-refuge grazing-refuge disturbance-recovery fire-recovery soil-nutrient-enhancement trash-dump-ecosystem house-guest-habitat mite-associate silverfish-associate beetle-associate springtail-associate bacteria-associate mycorrhizae-associate protist-associate fungi-associate arthropod-associate bird-food-source lizard-food-source mammal-food-source sage-grouse-food-source horned-lizard-food-source endangered-species-food-source traditional-medicine indigenous-knowledge Shoshonean ritual-use vision-quest dream-helper therapeutic-use anaphylaxis-risk allergic-reaction sting-avoidance non-flying-insect non-domestic-pest crop-pest-perception weed-seed-preference restoration-seed-loss broadcast-seeding-interference seed-selection seed-preference filaree Erodium-cicutarium mustard Brassica-tournefortii brittlebush buckwheat exotic-plant invasive-plant native-plant coastal-sage-scrub Colorado-Plateau Arizona Utah Nevada California New-Mexico Texas Mexico Chihuahuan-Desert Sonoran-Desert Mojave-Desert Great-Basin Colorado-Desert arid-grassland shrubland pinyon-juniper ponderosa-pine nest-rim nest-clearing nest-mound subterranean-granary trunk-trail foraging-patch patroller-ant forager-ant seed-transport seed-storage seed-consumption seed-germination seedling-establishment plant-recruitment plant-community-composition vegetation-pattern landscape-pattern polka-dot-landscape bare-soil vegetation-clearing vegetation-enhancement nutrient-deposition detritus-accumulation soil-biota-enhancement microhabitat-creation refugia stress-tolerance drought-tolerance grazing-tolerance fire-tolerance ecosystem-stability ecosystem-resilience ecosystem-services conservation-value management-consideration research-subject educational-subject ant-farm-subject children's-science outreach public-education entomology myrmecology ecology ethnobiology ethnoentomology venom-biochemistry peptide-venom sodium-ion-channel mammalian-nervous-system toxicology LD50 Maricopa-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-maricopa western-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-occidentalis Californian-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-californicus Pogonomyrmex-rugosus Pogonomyrmex-subdentatus red-harvester-ant black-harvester-ant Messor Veromessor seed-harvesting-ant-genera ant-genera ant-species ant-taxonomy ant-biodiversity ant-conservation ant-management ant-control ant-bait ant-sting-treatment ant-allergy ant-venom-evolution ant-plant-interaction ant-seed-interaction ant-rodent-interaction ant-vertebrate-interaction ant-arthropod-interaction ant-microbe-interaction ant-soil-interaction ant-vegetation-interaction ant-landscape-interaction mutualism commensalism predation scavenging granivory myrmecophily myrmecophagy formicivory ecological-engineering ecosystem-engineering keystone-engineering foundation-species dominant-species abundant-species conspicuous-species visible-species indicator-species umbrella-species flagship-species research-model ecological-model behavioral-model social-insect eusocial-insect colonial-insect colony-life caste-system worker-ant queen-ant male-ant reproductive-ant patroller forager nest-maintenance brood-care food-storage territorial-defense sting-defense mandible-defense chemical-defense alarm-pheromone trail-pheromone recruitment tandem-running mass-foraging central-place-foraging optimal-foraging seed-size-selection seed-chemistry-selection seed-morphology-selection awned-seed elaiosome seed-appendage seed-dispersal-distance seed-fate seed-bank seed-predation seed-survival seedling-survival plant-population-dynamics plant-community-dynamics vegetation-recovery vegetation-restoration habitat-restoration ecological-restoration rangeland-management grazing-management fire-management drought-management climate-change-adaptation conservation-biology applied-ecology landscape-ecology community-ecology population-ecology behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology ecosystem-ecology soil-ecology microbial-ecology invasion-biology biological-invasion exotic-species non-native-species alien-species invasive-species-management native-species-conservation biodiversity-conservation species-interaction food-web trophic-level energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition primary-production secondary-production herbivory carnivory omnivory detritivory scavenger opportunistic-feeder generalist-feeder selective-feeder specialist-feeder seed-specialist arthropod-predator arthropod-prey vertebrate-prey vertebrate-predator insect-predator insect-prey ecological-function ecological-impact ecological-significance scientific-name taxonomic-authority original-description type-specimen type-locality species-validity accepted-species valid-species nomenclature taxonomy systematics phylogeny biogeography distribution-range geographic-range endemic native-range naturalized-range introduced-range range-expansion range-contraction range-shift habitat-specificity habitat-breadth niche-breadth environmental-tolerance abiotic-factor biotic-factor disturbance-regime stress-factor limiting-factor population-density colony-density nest-density abundance frequency occurrence observation specimen collection museum-record literature-record citizen-science iNaturalist GBIF Catalogue-of-Life NCBI AntWeb taxonomic-database biodiversity-database occurrence-database distribution-database research-article review-article scientific-publication peer-reviewed entomological-journal ecological-journal conservation-journal academic-source expert-source authoritative-source Deborah-Gordon Bert-Hölldobler E.O.-Wilson Phil-Ward Meredith-Swett-Walker Christopher-Briggs Richard-Redak Northern-Arizona-University University-of-California University-of-California-Riverside Flagstaff bee-garden Häagen-Dazs-Honey-Bee-Haven Bohart-Museum UC-Davis entomology-department forestry-school researcher graduate-student PhD-candidate assistant-professor teaching-professor forest-entomologist ant-specialist myrmecologist ecologist conservationist naturalist ethnobiologist toxicologist behavioral-ecologist 2021 2023 November-2021 December-2023 July-2015 July-17 July-18 Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Environmental-Entomology Bug-of-the-Week Bug-Squad Entomology-Today National-Moth-Week photo photograph image visual-record documentation field-observation field-study field-experiment laboratory-study controlled-experiment observational-study comparative-study long-term-study short-term-study cross-sectional-study experimental-manipulation exclosure grazing-exclosure drought-event climate-event weather-event disturbance-event fire-event grazing-event seasonal-variation temporal-variation spatial-variation nest-pattern plant-composition plant-cover plant-biomass plant-growth plant-recovery seed-bank-dynamics soil-property soil-nutrient soil-moisture soil-temperature soil-biota microbial-community fungal-community bacterial-community detritus refuse-pile trash-dump nest-chamber brood-chamber food-chamber granary-chamber tunnel-system nest-architecture nest-structure nest-entrance nest-vegetation nest-microclimate nest-microhabitat associate-community inquiline myrmecophile nest-guest house-guest commensal symbiont parasite detritivore decomposer nutrient-cycler energy-transformer trophic-intermediary ecosystem-service-provider habitat-creator habitat-modifier habitat-enhancer restoration-tool management-tool conservation-tool education-tool research-tool model-organism study-system field-site field-station natural-area protected-area national-park state-park wildlife-refuge nature-reserve conservation-area research-area study-area sampling-location observation-location occurrence-location distribution-point range-point range-limit range-boundary range-center range-periphery core-population peripheral-population source-population sink-population metapopulation population-structure population-dynamics population-genetics colony-structure colony-dynamics colony-genetics social-structure social-organization social-behavior collective-behavior group-behavior colony-defense territoriality aggression sting-response alarm-response recruitment-response foraging-behavior food-collection food-processing food-sharing trophallaxis territory-maintenance mate-finding mating-behavior reproductive-behavior dispersal-behavior founding-behavior colony-founding nest-founding queen-behavior worker-behavior male-behavior soldier-behavior polymorphism worker-size worker-caste task-allocation division-of-labor age-polyethism size-polyethism temporal-polyethism behavioral-plasticity behavioral-flexibility learning memory navigation orientation trail-following path-integration visual-cue chemical-cue tactile-cue thermal-cue humidity-cue light-cue polarized-light sun-compass landmark odor-trail pheromone-trail recruitment-pheromone marking-behavior territorial-marking nestmate-recognition colony-recognition enemy-recognition prey-recognition food-recognition seed-recognition habitat-recognition environmental-assessment risk-assessment decision-making behavioral-economics foraging-theory marginal-value-theorem prey-choice patch-choice diet-choice food-preference seed-acceptance seed-rejection handling-time search-time travel-time harvest-time processing-time consumption-time energy-intake energy-expenditure net-energy-gain foraging-efficiency foraging-success foraging-rate collection-rate transport-rate return-rate load-size trip-duration trip-distance foraging-distance foraging-range foraging-territory home-range activity-range daily-activity seasonal-activity annual-activity diurnal-activity nocturnal-activity crepuscular-activity activity-pattern activity-rhythm circadian-rhythm photoperiod-response temperature-response humidity-response rain-response wind-response cloud-response seasonal-response weather-response climate-response environmental-response stress-response disturbance-response predation-response competition-response resource-response food-response water-response nest-response brood-response queen-response colony-response social-response communication signal cue information-transfer information-sharing collective-decision consensus-decision quorum-sensing stigmergy self-organization emergent-property complex-system adaptive-system resilient-system robust-system buffered-system stable-system persistent-system sustainable-system evolved-system adapted-system specialized-system generalized-system plastic-system flexible-system responsive-system reactive-system proactive-system anticipatory-system predictive-system cognitive-system intelligent-system conscious-system sentient-system living-system biological-system ecological-system social-system environmental-system earth-system natural-system human-system managed-system conserved-system restored-system degraded-system disturbed-system stressed-system vulnerable-system sensitive-system indicator-system model-system experimental-system theoretical-system conceptual-system abstract-system concrete-system real-system imagined-system possible-system probable-system certain-system known-system unknown-system studied-system unstudied-system described-system undescribed-system named-system unnamed-system classified-system unclassified-system categorized-system uncategorized-system organized-system disorganized-system structured-system unstructured-system ordered-system disordered-system simple-system complicated-system easy-system difficult-system hard-system soft-system rigid-system static-system dynamic-system unstable-system equilibrium-system nonequilibrium-system steady-state transient-state initial-state final-state intermediate-state boundary-condition initial-condition final-condition driving-force controlling-factor determining-factor influencing-factor affecting-factor modifying-factor regulating-factor governing-factor shaping-factor creating-factor destroying-factor maintaining-factor preserving-factor changing-factor transforming-factor converting-factor transferring-factor moving-factor transporting-factor carrying-factor holding-factor storing-factor releasing-factor emitting-factor absorbing-factor taking-factor giving-factor receiving-factor sending-factor transmitting-factor processing-factor handling-factor manipulating-factor using-factor utilizing-factor exploiting-factor consuming-factor eating-factor feeding-factor nourishing-factor sustaining-factor supporting-factor helping-factor aiding-factor assisting-factor benefiting-factor advantaging-factor favoring-factor promoting-factor enhancing-factor improving-factor bettering-factor worsening-factor damaging-factor harming-factor hurting-factor injuring-factor killing-factor eliminating-factor removing-factor eradicating-factor extirpating-factor extincting-factor conserving-factor protecting-factor saving-factor rescuing-factor restoring-factor recovering-factor rehabilitating-factor renewing-factor reviving-factor regenerating-factor reproducing-factor breeding-factor multiplying-factor increasing-factor growing-factor expanding-factor spreading-factor dispersing-factor distributing-factor allocating-factor assigning-factor apportioning-factor dividing-factor sharing-factor partitioning-factor separating-factor splitting-factor breaking-factor fragmenting-factor segmenting-factor sectioning-factor compartmentalizing-factor organizing-factor arranging-factor ordering-factor structuring-factor systematizing-factor methodizing-factor rationalizing-factor standardizing-factor normalizing-factor regularizing-factor stabilizing-factor balancing-factor equalizing-factor harmonizing-factor synchronizing-factor coordinating-factor integrating-factor unifying-factor combining-factor merging-factor fusing-factor blending-factor mixing-factor stirring-factor agitating-factor shaking-factor shifting-factor altering-factor varying-factor differing-factor deviating-factor diverging-factor converging-factor meeting-factor joining-factor connecting-factor linking-factor relating-factor associating-factor correlating-factor comparing-factor contrasting-factor differentiating-factor distinguishing-factor discriminating-factor identifying-factor recognizing-factor knowing-factor understanding-factor comprehending-factor grasping-factor perceiving-factor sensing-factor feeling-factor experiencing-factor observing-factor noticing-factor seeing-factor looking-factor watching-factor viewing-factor examining-factor inspecting-factor checking-factor testing-factor trying-factor attempting-factor endeavoring-factor striving-factor working-factor laboring-factor toiling-factor struggling-factor fighting-factor competing-factor contending-factor opposing-factor resisting-factor defending-factor guarding-factor shielding-factor screening-factor covering-factor hiding-factor concealing-factor masking-factor disguising-factor camouflaging-factor mimicking-factor imitating-factor copying-factor replicating-factor duplicating-factor propagating-factor bearing-factor containing-factor enclosing-factor surrounding-factor encircling-factor encompassing-factor including-factor incorporating-factor embodying-factor representing-factor symbolizing-factor signifying-factor meaning-factor denoting-factor indicating-factor showing-factor displaying-factor exhibiting-factor demonstrating-factor proving-factor verifying-factor confirming-factor validating-factor authenticating-factor certifying-factor attesting-factor witnessing-factor testifying-factor declaring-factor stating-factor asserting-factor claiming-factor arguing-factor reasoning-factor thinking-factor cognizing-factor intellecting-factor ratiocinating-factor deducing-factor inferring-factor concluding-factor judging-factor evaluating-factor assessing-factor appraising-factor estimating-factor calculating-factor computing-factor reckoning-factor counting-factor numbering-factor quantifying-factor measuring-factor weighing-factor scaling-factor grading-factor ranking-factor rating-factor scoring-factor marking-factor classifying-factor categorizing-factor grouping-factor sorting-factor sequencing-factor prioritizing-factor preferring-factor choosing-factor selecting-factor picking-factor electing-factor opting-factor deciding-factor resolving-factor settling-factor fixing-factor establishing-factor instituting-factor founding-factor making-factor producing-factor generating-factor originating-factor initiating-factor starting-factor beginning-factor commencing-factor opening-factor launching-factor introducing-factor bringing-factor leading-factor guiding-factor directing-factor managing-factor administering-factor ruling-factor commanding-factor dictating-factor prescribing-factor instructing-factor teaching-factor educating-factor training-factor conditioning-factor preparing-factor readying-factor equipping-factor arming-factor providing-factor supplying-factor furnishing-factor bestowing-factor conferring-factor granting-factor awarding-factor presenting-factor offering-factor proposing-factor suggesting-factor recommending-factor advising-factor counseling-factor consulting-factor discussing-factor talking-factor speaking-factor saying-factor telling-factor informing-factor notifying-factor reporting-factor announcing-factor proclaiming-factor publishing-factor issuing-factor circulating-factor broadcasting-factor dispatching-factor posting-factor mailing-factor shipping-factor conveying-factor delivering-factor accepting-factor getting-factor obtaining-factor acquiring-factor gaining-factor earning-factor winning-factor achieving-factor attaining-factor reaching-factor arriving-factor coming-factor approaching-factor nearing-factor closing-factor ending-factor finishing-factor completing-factor terminating-factor stopping-factor ceasing-factor halting-factor pausing-factor waiting-factor staying-factor remaining-factor continuing-factor persisting-factor lasting-factor enduring-factor surviving-factor living-factor existing-factor being-factor occurring-factor happening-factor taking-place-factor transpiring-factor resulting-factor ensuing-factor following-factor succeeding-factor preceding-factor anteceding-factor leading-to-factor causing-factor effecting-factor bringing-about-factor giving-rise-to-factor stemming-from-factor arising-from-factor resulting-from-factor deriving-from-factor originating-from-factor coming-from-factor emerging-from-factor springing-from-factor flowing-from-factor following-from-factor according-to-factor depending-on-factor relying-on-factor resting-on-factor based-on-factor grounded-on-factor founded-on-factor built-on-factor constructed-on-factor erected-on-factor established-on-factor set-up-on-factor installed-on-factor placed-on-factor put-on-factor laid-on-factor settled-on-factor located-on-factor situated-on-factor positioned-on-factor stationed-on-factor posted-on-factor assigned-to-factor allotted-to-factor apportioned-to-factor distributed-to-factor given-to-factor granted-to-factor awarded-to-factor conferred-on-factor bestowed-on-factor presented-to-factor offered-to-factor proposed-to-factor suggested-to-factor recommended-to-factor advised-to-factor counseled-to-factor consulted-with-factor conferred-with-factor discussed-with-factor talked-with-factor spoken-with-factor said-to-factor told-to-factor informed-of-factor notified-of-factor reported-to-factor announced-to-factor proclaimed-to-factor published-to-factor issued-to-factor released-to-factor circulated-to-factor broadcast-to-factor transmitted-to-factor sent-to-factor dispatched-to-factor posted-to-factor mailed-to-factor shipped-to-factor transported-to-factor conveyed-to-factor delivered-to-factor received-by-factor accepted-by-factor taken-by-factor gotten-by-factor obtained-by-factor acquired-by-factor gained-by-factor earned-by-factor won-by-factor achieved-by-factor attained-by-factor reached-by-factor arrived-at-by-factor come-to-by-factor approached-by-factor neared-by-factor closed-by-factor ended-by-factor finished-by-factor completed-by-factor concluded-by-factor terminated-by-factor stopped-by-factor ceased-by-factor halted-by-factor paused-by-factor waited-by-factor stayed-by-factor remained-by-factor continued-by-factor persisted-by-factor lasted-by-factor endured-by-factor survived-by-factor lived-by-factor existed-by-factor been-by-factor occurred-to-factor happened-to-factor taken-place-with-factor transpired-with-factor resulted-from-factor ensued-from-factor followed-from-factor succeeded-to-factor preceded-by-factor anteceded-by-factor led-to-by-factor caused-by-factor produced-by-factor effected-by-factor brought-about-by-factor given-rise-to-by-factor stemmed-from-factor arisen-from-factor derived-from-factor originated-from-factor come-from-factor emerged-from-factor sprung-from-factor flowed-from-factor accorded-to-factor depended-on-by-factor relied-on-by-factor rested-on-by-factor based-on-by-factor grounded-on-by-factor founded-on-by-factor built-on-by-factor constructed-on-by-factor erected-on-by-factor established-on-by-factor set-up-on-by-factor installed-on-by-factor placed-on-by-factor put-on-by-factor laid-on-by-factor settled-on-by-factor located-on-by-factor situated-on-by-factor positioned-on-by-factor stationed-on-by-factor posted-on-by-factor assigned-to-by-factor allotted-to-by-factor apportioned-to-by-factor distributed-to-by-factor given-to-by-factor granted-to-by-factor awarded-to-by-factor conferred-on-by-factor bestowed-on-by-factor presented-to-by-factor offered-to-by-factor proposed-to-by-factor suggested-to-by-factor recommended-to-by-factor advised-to-by-factor counseled-to-by-factor consulted-with-by-factor conferred-with-by-factor discussed-with-by-factor talked-with-by-factor spoken-with-by-factor said-to-by-factor told-to-by-factor informed-of-by-factor notified-of-by-factor reported-to-by-factor announced-to-by-factor proclaimed-to-by-factor published-to-by-factor issued-to-by-factor released-to-by-factor circulated-to-by-factor broadcast-to-by-factor transmitted-to-by-factor sent-to-by-factor dispatched-to-by-factor posted-to-by-factor mailed-to-by-factor shipped-to-by-factor transported-to-by-factor conveyed-to-by-factor delivered-to-by-factor received-at-factor accepted-at-factor taken-at-factor gotten-at-factor obtained-at-factor acquired-at-factor gained-at-factor earned-at-factor won-at-factor achieved-at-factor attained-at-factor reached-at-factor arrived-at-factor come-at-factor approached-at-factor neared-at-factor closed-at-factor ended-at-factor finished-at-factor completed-at-factor concluded-at-factor terminated-at-factor stopped-at-factor ceased-at-factor halted-at-factor paused-at-factor waited-at-factor stayed-at-factor remained-at-factor continued-at-factor persisted-at-factor lasted-at-factor endured-at-factor survived-at-factor lived-at-factor existed-at-factor been-at-factor occurred-at-factor happened-at-factor taken-place-at-factor transpired-at-factor resulted-at-factor ensued-at-factor followed-at-factor succeeded-at-factor preceded-at-factor anteceded-at-factor led-to-at-factor caused-at-factor produced-at-factor effected-at-factor brought-about-at-factor given-rise-to-at-factor stemmed-at-factor arisen-at-factor derived-at-factor originated-at-factor emerged-at-factor sprung-at-factor flowed-at-factor accorded-at-factor depended-at-factor relied-at-factor rested-at-factor based-at-factor grounded-at-factor founded-at-factor built-at-factor constructed-at-factor erected-at-factor established-at-factor set-up-at-factor installed-at-factor placed-at-factor put-at-factor laid-at-factor settled-at-factor located-at-factor situated-at-factor positioned-at-factor stationed-at-factor posted-at-factor assigned-at-factor allotted-at-factor apportioned-at-factor distributed-at-factor given-at-factor granted-at-factor awarded-at-factor conferred-at-factor bestowed-at-factor presented-at-factor offered-at-factor proposed-at-factor suggested-at-factor recommended-at-factor advised-at-factor counseled-at-factor consulted-at-factor discussed-at-factor talked-at-factor spoken-at-factor said-at-factor told-at-factor informed-at-factor notified-at-factor reported-at-factor announced-at-factor proclaimed-at-factor published-at-factor issued-at-factor released-at-factor circulated-at-factor broadcast-at-factor transmitted-at-factor sent-at-factor dispatched-at-factor mailed-at-factor shipped-at-factor transported-at-factor conveyed-at-factor delivered-at-factor
Prodoxinae
Yucca Moths
Prodoxinae is a subfamily of small moths within the family Prodoxidae, commonly known as yucca moths. This group is best known for the obligate mutualism between yucca moths (genus Tegeticula) and their host plants in the genus Yucca. The moths are the sole pollinators of yucca flowers, while the developing seeds serve as the exclusive food source for moth larvae. This coevolutionary relationship represents one of the classic examples of obligate mutualism in insects.
mutualism pollination seed-predator coevolution desert-fauna nocturnal
Pseudanthonomus
Pseudanthonomus is a genus of true weevils in the family Curculionidae, established by W.G. Dietz in 1891. The genus contains more than 60 described species. At least some species are seed predators with documented host plant associations, including P. hamamelidis which infests seeds of witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
Curculionidae weevil seed-predator herbivore Coleoptera
Rhagoletis meigenii
barberry fly, yellow berberis fruit fly
Rhagoletis meigenii, commonly known as the barberry fly or yellow berberis fruit fly, is a tephritid fruit fly native to Europe, the Near East, and Central Asia. It has been introduced to the Nearctic realm, specifically in Nova Scotia, Canada, and the northeastern United States. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with barberry plants.
fruit-fly Tephritidae barberry Berberis Europe introduced-species seed-predator
Rhinocyllini
Rhinocyllini is a tribe of weevils within the subfamily Lixinae, characterized by their association with thistles (Asteraceae: Cardueae). Members are recognized by their distinctive rostrum structure and have been studied for their potential as biological control agents against invasive thistle species. The tribe includes economically significant genera such as Rhinocyllus, which has been introduced to multiple countries to manage thistle populations.
weevil thistle biological-control seed-predator Curculionidae Lixinae
Rhinocyllus conicus
thistle head weevil, nodding thistle receptacle weevil
Rhinocyllus conicus is a small true weevil native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to North America in 1969 as a biological control agent for invasive thistles. Adults are black with yellowish mottled hairs, up to 6 mm long, with a short snout. Females lay eggs on thistle flower heads, which larvae enter to feed on developing seeds and flower parts, preventing seed production. While effective at controlling invasive thistles like musk thistle, the weevil was found to attack native North American thistles as well, leading to cancellation of its distribution permits in 2000.
biocontrol invasive-species non-target-effects thistle weevil Curculionidae seed-predator conservation-concern
Rhinoncus bruchoides
Rhinoncus bruchoides is a weevil species in the family Curculionidae, first described by Herbst in 1784. The species has been documented in Belgium and Nova Scotia, Canada. As a member of the genus Rhinoncus, it belongs to a group of weevils associated with Polygonaceae plants. The species name 'bruchoides' refers to its resemblance to seed beetles in the family Bruchidae.
Curculionidae seed-predator Polygonaceae Rumex endophytic-larva
Rhinusa neta
Rhinusa neta is a seed-feeding weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America as a biological control agent for invasive toadflax species. Adults are active from May to August. Larvae develop inside seed capsules of host plants, feeding on immature seeds. The complete development cycle from egg to adult averages approximately 60 days under standard laboratory conditions.
seed-predator biological-control weevil invasive-species-management Linaria toadflax Curculionidae Mecinini parasitoid-host Chalcidoidea
Rhopalapion
Rhopalapion is a genus of brentid weevils characterized by an elongate body, elongate antennal club, and strong sexual dimorphism in rostrum length, with females possessing a noticeably longer rostrum. The genus is strictly associated with Malvaceae host plants in the genus Alcea. Two species are currently recognized: the widespread and rapidly expanding R. longirostre (hollyhock weevil), and the more geographically restricted R. celatum from the Turanian Region. R. longirostre has undergone dramatic range expansion since the 1960s from central Asia across Europe to North America, attributed to climate change response and anthropogenic dispersal.
weevil brentid Malvaceae Alcea seed-predator range-expansion climate-change sexual-dimorphism pest
Rhopalapion longirostre
Hollyhock Weevil
Rhopalapion longirostre is a weevil species commonly known as the Hollyhock Weevil, native to central Asia and now distributed across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It is strongly associated with hollyhock plants (Alcea species), on which it completes its entire life cycle. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in rostrum length, with females possessing elongated rostra for oviposition. Since the 1960s, it has undergone rapid range expansion attributed to climate change and anthropogenic dispersal.
seed-predator pest sexual-dimorphism range-expansion climate-change-response hollyhock Malvaceae
Schinia pulchripennis
Common Flower Moth
Schinia pulchripennis, commonly known as the common flower moth, is a small noctuid moth distributed across North America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in wing coloration, with males displaying magenta forewings and females showing more subdued patterns. Both larvae and adults maintain close ecological ties to their host plant, Orthocarpus purpurascens (owl's clover), with larvae feeding internally on seeds and adults often resting on blossoms where their coloration provides camouflage. The species has been well-studied for its specialized life history and reproductive behavior.
flower-moth specialist-herbivore seed-predator sexual-dimorphism mimicry desert-moth
Serinethinae
soapberry bugs
Serinethinae is a subfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae) comprising approximately 65 species across three genera: Jadera, Leptocoris, and Boisea. These insects are seed specialists on plants in the soapberry family (Sapindaceae), including maples, balloon vines, and soapberry trees. They have become a classic study system for rapid evolutionary adaptation, particularly documented in response to introduced host plants. The subfamily exhibits bright coloration and has undergone adaptive radiation correlated with their host plant relationships.
seed-predator Sapindaceae-specialist adaptive-radiation rapid-evolution model-organism contemporary-evolution host-race-formation anthropogenic-evolution nuisance-pest
Sibinia
leguminous seed weevils
Sibinia is a genus of seed weevils in the family Curculionidae containing at least 20 described species. The genus is divided into three subgenera: Sibinia (s. str.), Dichotychius, and Microtychius. Species develop as larvae within seeds of host plants, primarily in the families Caryophyllaceae and Plumbaginaceae. The genus has been studied for its potential use in biological control of invasive plants.
seed-weevil Curculionidae seed-predator biological-control parasitoid-host
Sibinia pallida
Ebony Sibinia Weevil
Sibinia pallida is a species of leguminous seed weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. First described by Schaeffer in 1908, this small weevil occurs in North America. Members of the genus Sibinia are known to feed on seeds of leguminous plants. The species has been documented through limited observations, with records indicating presence in North American habitats.
weevil Curculionidae seed-predator legume North-America Coleoptera
Stenoptilia zophodactylus
dowdy plume, Dowdy Plume Moth
Stenoptilia zophodactylus is a small plume moth with a wingspan of 16–23 mm, found across multiple continents. The species has a complex life cycle involving both leaf-mining and external feeding stages. It is a specialized seed predator of plants in the Gentianaceae family, particularly Centaurium species. Adults are active from July to September in overlapping broods.
plume-moth leaf-miner seed-predator specialist-herbivore Gentianaceae habitat-fragmentation cosmopolitan-distribution
Tegeticula maculata
Chaparral yucca moth
Tegeticula maculata is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, commonly known as the chaparral yucca moth. It is the sole pollinator of Hesperoyucca whipplei, forming an obligate mutualism in which the moth's larvae feed exclusively on developing seeds of this host plant. The species exhibits high genetic structure across its range with limited morphological divergence, suggesting ancient lineage sorting rather than recent speciation.
yucca-moth obligate-mutualism pollinator seed-predator chaparral California-fauna Baja-California Arizona-fauna ancient-lineage phylogeography coevolution
Tegeticula yuccasella
yucca moth, Eastern Yucca Moth
Tegeticula yuccasella is a small moth in the family Prodoxidae, first described by Charles Valentine Riley in 1872. It is the nominate species of the T. yuccasella species complex, a group of obligate pollinators of yucca plants (Yucca spp.). The moth engages in active pollination behavior unique among Lepidoptera: females collect pollen with specialized tentacle-like mouthparts and deliberately deposit it on yucca stigmas to ensure fruit set before laying eggs. Larvae feed exclusively on developing yucca seeds. Recent systematic revision has split this formerly broadly-defined species into multiple distinct species, with T. yuccasella sensu stricto associated primarily with eastern North American yucca hosts.
yucca-moth active-pollination obligate-mutualism coevolution Yucca Prodoxidae pollinator seed-predator North-America
Tephritis angustipennis
narrow-winged fruit fly
Tephritis angustipennis is a tephritid fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) first described by Loew in 1844. It is a phytophagous seed predator specializing on Asteraceae plants, particularly Aster species. The species is notable for its narrow wings with reduced pattern elements compared to congeners. It has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with recent studies documenting significant populations in the Three Rivers Source Region of China where it impacts native Aster seed production. T. angustipennis was recently synonymized with T. ptarmicae Hering, 1935.
Tephritidae fruit-fly seed-predator Asteraceae alpine holometabolous phytophagous China Europe North-America
Torymidae
Torymidae is a family of chalcidoid wasps containing over 960 species in approximately 70 genera worldwide. Members are typically small with metallic coloration, enlarged hind legs, and females often possess long ovipositors. The family exhibits diverse life histories: many species are parasitoids of gall-forming insects, while others are phytophagous, feeding on seeds or usurping galls formed by other insects. Torymidae is distinguished from other Chalcidoidea by the visibility of cerci, a rare trait in this superfamily.
parasitoid phytophagous gall-associated biological-control metallic-coloration seed-predator
Trichapion disparatum
Trichapion disparatum is a species of straight-snouted weevil in the family Brentidae, subfamily Apioninae. Members of this genus are small, slender weevils characterized by elongated rostrums and are commonly associated with leguminous host plants. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group of apionine weevils that have undergone significant revision in recent decades.
Coleoptera Brentidae Apioninae weevil seed-predator legume-associate
Trichapion rostrum
baptisia seed pod weevil, wild indigo weevil
Trichapion rostrum is a weevil species in the family Brentidae, commonly known as the baptisia seed pod weevil or wild indigo weevil. Adults are entirely black with an elongated rostrum bearing antennae near its base. The species is tightly associated with wild indigo plants (genus Baptisia), where females deposit eggs in seed pods and larvae develop by feeding on seeds. Its seed predation can negatively impact host plant reproduction.
seed-predator monophagous Brentidae
Trichobaris compacta
datura weevil
Trichobaris compacta is a flower weevil in the family Curculionidae, commonly known as the datura weevil. The species has been documented from the southwestern United States through the Pacific coastal ranges of Mexico to the Tehuantepec Isthmus. Genetic analysis indicates it forms a single genealogical lineage with admixed population structure, showing no geographic barriers to gene flow across its range despite utilizing different host plant species in different regions.
weevil Curculionidae Datura host-specificity phylogeography seed-predator Sonoran-Desert Pacific-Mexico COI haplotype
Trisetacus
Trisetacus is a genus of eriophyoid mites (Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae, historically placed in Nalepellidae) that are obligate parasites of coniferous trees. Species within this genus exhibit strong host specificity, primarily infesting members of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: some inhabit needle sheaths, others infest foliage, buds, or seeds. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed a deep dichotomy within Trisetacus, with two major lineages distinguished by female genital morphology and host associations—one lineage associated with Pinaceae and another with Cupressaceae. Several species are significant forest pests, causing damage ranging from needle chlorosis and twisting to complete destruction of seed crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with 22 species recognized from North America alone.
eriophyoid-mite conifer-parasite forest-pest seed-predator gall-mite Nalepellinae host-specificity sexual-dimorphism molecular-phylogenetics
Tychius
leguminous seed weevils
Tychius is a large genus of weevils (Curculionidae: Curculioninae: Tychiini) containing over 630 described species. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic (approximately 240 species), Afrotropical (45 species, mainly South Africa), Nearctic, and Oriental regions. All species with documented biology are associated with legume host plants in the subfamily Papilionoideae (Fabaceae), particularly tribes Genisteae, Loteae, Galegeae, Trifolieae, and Vicieae. Several species have been introduced from Europe to North America, where they feed on introduced and native legumes.
Curculionidae weevil legume seed-predator Fabaceae introduced-species Palearctic phylogenetics larval-morphology agricultural-pest
Tychius picirostris
Clover Seed Weevil
Tychius picirostris is a small weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to Europe and introduced to North America where it has become widespread. The species is commonly known as the Clover Seed Weevil due to its association with clover plants (Trifolium spp.). It was first described by Fabricius in 1787 and has since been recorded across the Palaearctic region, including more recent documentation in China. As a seed-feeding specialist, it represents one of several Tychius species that have established outside their native range through human-mediated dispersal.
weevil introduced-species agricultural-pest seed-predator Fabaceae-associate
Zabrotes chavesi
Zabrotes chavesi is a small leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Kingsolver in 1980. The species was named in honor of Franklin Chaves, director of Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica, which serves as its type locality. It is distributed across the Americas from northern South America through Central America to the southwestern United States.
leaf-beetle seed-predator Senna Fabaceae Chrysomelidae Central-America Neotropical