acanthoscelides

Meaning

A genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, many species of which are significant agricultural pests that feed on the seeds of leguminous plants.

Examples

• The common bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus, is a notorious pest that can destroy entire harvests of stored beans.
• Entomologists are currently studying the life cycle of Acanthoscelides to develop more effective organic pest control methods.