The word "Acanthoscelides Obtectus" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /əˌkænθoʊˌsɛlɪdiːz ɒbˈtɛktəs/. The first part, "Acanthoscelides," is pronounced ah-KAN-tho-SELL-ih-deez, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The second part, "Obtectus," is pronounced ob-TEK-tuhs, with the emphasis on the first syllable. "Acanthoscelides Obtectus" is the scientific name for a bean beetle, a common pest of legumes. Its spelling is important for researchers to use consistent and accurate terminology when studying this species.
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a species of beetle commonly known as the bean weevil. It belongs to the family Chrysomelidae and is a type of agricultural pest that primarily feeds on various types of beans, including kidney beans, lima beans, and broad beans. The beetle is small in size, typically measuring around 2-3 millimeters in length. It has a dark brown or black body, marked with small hairs or bristles.
The life cycle of Acanthoscelides obtectus begins when adult females lay eggs on the surface of bean seeds. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bore their way into the seeds where they start consuming the cotyledons or embryos. The larval stage lasts for about two to three weeks, during which the larvae go through several growth stages or instars. After completing their development inside the seed, the mature larvae pupate within a cocoon-like structure called a pupal case. Following a period of approximately one to two weeks, the adult beetles emerge and the life cycle begins anew.
Infestations of Acanthoscelides obtectus can cause significant damage to stored beans, decreasing their quality and market value. This species is considered a major pest in bean production areas, particularly in regions with warm and humid climates. Effective pest management strategies for controlling Acanthoscelides obtectus include proper storage practices, such as maintaining low moisture levels and regularly inspecting stored beans for signs of infestation. Additionally, the use of insecticides and fumigants can also be employed to control and manage populations of this beetle.
The word "Acanthoscelides obtectus" is not derived from one specific etymology, but rather consists of two separate components: "Acanthoscelides" and "obtectus".
1. Acanthoscelides: This term is derived from two Greek words:
- "Akantha" (ἄκανθα), meaning "thorn" or "spine".
- "Skelidion" (σκελίδιον), meaning "little shield" or "small defender".
The combined term "Akantha Skelidion" refers to a type of small defensive shield covered in thorns, which likely alludes to some characteristic or feature of the organism to which it has been given as a scientific name.
2. Obtectus: This Latin word means "covered" or "concealed".