Mimosestes amicus
This record describes Mimosestes amicus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body black with some reddish areas, vestiture entirely gray; eyes flat against side of head (last key couplet) easily separated from other congeners and nearly all other US bruchids by having the posterior margin of the eye merging smoothly with the side of head
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Mimosestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw. US (s.CA-TX-KS-NV), FL / to Costa Rica - Map ; one of the most abundant and widespread bruchids in the southwest
Diet and Behavior
Diet: probably breeds most successfully in Parkinsonia seeds but is abundant in Prosopis seeds as well; rearing records: Leucaena leucocephala; Parkinsonia aculeata, P. florida, P. microphylla, P. texana macra, P. texana texana; Prosopis glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. velutina, P. pallida, P. pubescens; Sesbania sesban (Hawaii), S. aegyptiaca.
Life History
oviposits on green pods only (its exit holes are used by other bruchine spp. for oviposition)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: amicus = 'friendly'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mimosestes amicus. 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 Mimosestes amicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mimosestes amicus
What is Mimosestes amicus?
Mimosestes amicus is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mimosestes amicus?
2.1–3.8 mm
How do you identify Mimosestes amicus?
Body black with some reddish areas, vestiture entirely gray; eyes flat against side of head (last key couplet) easily separated from other congeners and nearly all other US bruchids by having the posterior margin of the eye merging smoothly with the side of head
Where is Mimosestes amicus found?
Range: sw. US (s.CA-TX-KS-NV), FL / to Costa Rica - Map ; one of the most abundant and widespread bruchids in the southwest
What does Mimosestes amicus eat?
The diet of the Mimosestes amicus includes probably breeds most successfully in Parkinsonia seeds but is abundant in Prosopis seeds as well; rearing records: Leucaena leucocephala; Parkinsonia aculeata, P. florida, P. microphylla, P. texana macra, P. texana texana; Prosopis glandulosa glandulosa, P. glandulosa torreyana, P. velutina, P. pallida, P. pubescens; Sesbania sesban (Hawaii), S. aegyptiaca..
What is the life cycle of a Mimosestes amicus?
oviposits on green pods only (its exit holes are used by other bruchine spp. for oviposition)