Western Grape Rootworm
Bromius obscurus
This record describes Bromius obscurus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Can be a pest on grapes ( Vitis ). Practical importance probably low, because the species usually is rare to absent in regions where grapes are cultivated (true also in Eurasia)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Eumolpinae
- Tribe
- Adoxini
- Genus
- Bromius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic: Europe, Asia, North America - Map , mostly northern NA
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Usually fireweed ( Chamerion angustifolium ) and willowherb ( Epilobium hirsutum ), but also Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus ) and grape ( Vitis ). Larvae feed externally on roots while adults chew long, linear cuts in leaves.
Life History
North American populations reproduce sexually while European populations are pathenogenetic. ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bromius obscurus (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bromius obscurus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Western Grape Rootworm (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Lynette Elliott , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Grape Rootworm
What is Western Grape Rootworm?
Western Grape Rootworm (Bromius obscurus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Western Grape Rootworm?
Adult: 4mm, larva: 7mm.
Where is Western Grape Rootworm found?
Range: Holarctic: Europe, Asia, North America - Map , mostly northern NA
What does Western Grape Rootworm eat?
The diet of the Western Grape Rootworm includes Usually fireweed ( Chamerion angustifolium ) and willowherb ( Epilobium hirsutum ), but also Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus ) and grape ( Vitis ). Larvae feed externally on roots while adults chew long, linear cuts in leaves..
When is Western Grape Rootworm active?
Western Grape Rootworm: seasonal activity - May-Aug (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Western Grape Rootworm?
North American populations reproduce sexually while European populations are pathenogenetic. ( 3 )