Thermal-melanism-hypothesis
Guides
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.