Acanthoscelides (genus)

Bruchidae • Chrysomeloidea • Coleoptera • Insects (plant pests) • pests-diseases-weeds

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Acanthoscelides obtectus on soybean (click on image to enlarge it)
Source: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series - Wikimedia Commons

Acanthoscelides Schilsky, 1905

This is a large genus of bruchids with around 300 species. They are native to the New World and feed on legume seeds. Several species are important pests of stored legumes like the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus. Some species specifically attack the seeds of weed species and are considered beneficial.

The species are typically small and between 1 and 3 mm in length. They are characterized by the structure and texture of their vertex and frons, the protruding eyes and other features.

Type species: Acanthoscelides obtectus (assigned as Bruchus irresectus)

For beneficial species feeding on weeds see Acanthoscelides (weed bioagents).

Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:

• Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
• Acanthoscelides obtectus
• Acanthoscelides obvelatus