Definition

Noun: * Acanthoscelides obtectus: A species of small beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae) whose larvae infest and consume the seeds of bean plants, both in the field and in storage. It is commonly known as the bean weevil or bean seed beetle.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The farmer discovered an infestation of Acanthoscelides obtectus in his stored kidney beans.
  • Effective storage practices are crucial to control Acanthoscelides obtectus and prevent crop loss.
  • The study focused on the life cycle of Acanthoscelides obtectus within the bean pod.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used primarily in formal, scientific, and agricultural contexts (e.g., entomology, pest management, agricultural extension reports). In everyday language, the common names "bean weevil" or "bean beetle" are preferred.
• It can be used attributively as a noun modifier (functioning like an adjective) to describe related concepts.
  • The Acanthoscelides obtectus infestation caused significant economic damage.
  • Researchers are developing Acanthoscelides obtectus-resistant bean varieties.

Variants and Related Words

• Bean weevil: The most common vernacular name for .
• Bean seed beetle: Another common name for this insect.
• Bruchid beetle: A general term for beetles in the family Bruchidae (or Bruchinae), which includes .
• Storage pest: A general category for organisms, including , that damage stored agricultural products.

Synonyms

• Bean weevil
• Bean seed beetle
• Bean bruchid

Related Phrases / Terms

• Post-harvest pest: is a classic example of a post-harvest pest for legumes.
• Seed infestation: The primary damage caused by is seed infestation, where larvae develop inside individual beans.

Noun

1. larvae live in and feed on growing or stored beans