Southern Cowpea Weevil
Callosobruchus chinensis
This record describes Callosobruchus chinensis (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
widely used as lab model for research ( 3 ) ; may severely damage stored pulses of legumes ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Callosobruchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to temperate Asia ( 4 ) , adventive elsewhere (now tropicopolitan); in our area, recorded across the US & Canada (north to NS-QC-CA; in Canada, found occasionally in imported beans and does not survive in the wild ( 3 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: various Fabaceae + Nelumbo (Nelumbonaceae) ( 3 ) ; known to switch to wild legumes in many areas outside its native range ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Callosobruchus chinensis (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Callosobruchus chinensis. 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 Southern Cowpea Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Cowpea Weevil
What is Southern Cowpea Weevil?
Southern Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Southern Cowpea Weevil?
2.7–3.0 mm ( 3 )
Where is Southern Cowpea Weevil found?
Range: native to temperate Asia ( 4 ) , adventive elsewhere (now tropicopolitan); in our area, recorded across the US & Canada (north to NS-QC-CA; in Canada, found occasionally in imported beans and does not survive in the wild ( 3 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 )
What does Southern Cowpea Weevil eat?
The diet of the Southern Cowpea Weevil includes hosts: various Fabaceae + Nelumbo (Nelumbonaceae) ( 3 ) ; known to switch to wild legumes in many areas outside its native range ( 4 ).