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Megabruchidius dorsalis

Asian seed beetle

Description

Asian seed beetle  - Megabruchidius dorsalis is a seed beetle belonging to the Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae family. It originates from East Asia, where it develops inside the seeds of native Gleditsia species. In Europe, it was first observed in Italy in 1989, where it was found developing inside the seeds of the North American Gleditsia triacanthos L., a close relative of G. japonica Miq. During the winter, mainly the fourth instar larvae and adult beetles of Megabruchidius dorsalis hibernate in pods on the ground. In early May, the overwintered beetles emerge, and they do not require feeding for maturation. The beetles begin oviposition 8-11 days after emergence on the seed pods. At the begging of the season, the beetle primarily utilize the seeds of Gleditsia from previous years. Only in the latter, half of August, do they shift to the seeds of the current year\'s crop. M. dorsalis can have more generations per year.

Symptom

Seed pots with hols. Small beetle on seed pots. Damaged seeds.

Tree Species: Honey locust

Part of a plant- attacked: Fruit / Seed

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 1 observations of the species in the system