Bruchids Beetle

[Jim B.]

Bruchids are small beetles, typically less than 1 cm long. There are over 1000 species of bruchids, many of which are of great agricultural importance because they seriously damage the seeds of leguminous crop plants such as cowpeas. Some of these bruchid species are host-specialised, and some are generalists.
In all cases the adult beetles feed on the pollen and nectar of plants. They mate in the flowers, and lay their eggs on the developing pods. When the eggs hatch, the young larvae burrow into the pods and then into the developing seeds, which they use as a food source. After pupation in the seeds, the young adult beetles emerge through a small hole that they make in the pod, thereby completing the life cycle.



To give an idea of it's size,here it's munching the pollen on a Rhododendron anther.

[rick55]

Beautiful shots, Jim. I really love the second, with the beautiful magenta counterpoint to the scary-looking beetle. It uses the ultra-thing DOF to advantage.

Cheers,
Rick

[Jim B.]

Rick,

Thanks for the comments.#2 my fav too.

[carregwen]

Hate to break ranks, but I prefer #1. The colour is very good, and I think the beetle looks sharper. Good shots.