Mexican Bean Weevil
Zabrotes subfasciatus
This record describes Zabrotes subfasciatus (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pest of Phaseolus and other stored legumes (mung bean, cowpea, groundnuts)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Amblycerini
- Genus
- Zabrotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
continuous breeder in stored seeds
Geographic Range
Tropicopolitan, originated in Central America; established in TX; spreading with dried beans through commerce
Diet and Behavior
Life History
eggs are laid only on seeds that have fallen from a pod or that are still attached inside a partly dehisced pod (this trait is the reason why this sp. has become a stored legume pest)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman 1833)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Zabrotes subfasciatus. 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 Mexican Bean Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Bean Weevil
What is Mexican Bean Weevil?
Mexican Bean Weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mexican Bean Weevil?
♂ 2.0–2.3 mm, ♀ 2.2–2.8 mm
Where is Mexican Bean Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | continuous breeder in stored seeds |
| Range | Tropicopolitan, originated in Central America; established in TX; spreading with dried beans through commerce |
What is the life cycle of a Mexican Bean Weevil?
eggs are laid only on seeds that have fallen from a pod or that are still attached inside a partly dehisced pod (this trait is the reason why this sp. has become a stored legume pest)