Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Megacerus discoidus (Say)
Orig. Comb: Bruchus discoidus Say 1824
Often mis-spelled as discoideus, an error begun by Melsheimer in 1853.
Identification
This handsome species with its quadrate, red elytral maculae can hardly be mistaken for any other eastern American bruchid.
(2)Range
e NA to CO-NM (NM-FL-NB-BC) -
Map (2)(3), largely absent from the deep south
Life Cycle
Adults are commonly found on flowers of many plant species.
Natural enemies:
Uscana semifumipennis; Dinarmus sp.
(2)Print References
Wang, R. & L.T. Kok. 1983. Synchronization of Megacerus discoidus with the hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium, in southwestern Virginia. Virginia Journal of Science 34: 109.
Wang, R. & L.T. Kok. 1986a. Life history of Megacerus discoidus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), a seedfeeder of hedge bindweed, in Southwestern Virginia. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 79(2): 359-363.
Wang, R. & L.T. Kok. 1986b. Host specificity of Megacerus discoidus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and its impact on hedge bindweed, Calystegia sepium. Environmental Entomology 15: 834–838.