First record of native seed beetle Stator limbatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on invasive earleaf acacia in Florida

Stator limbatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), a generalist seed beetle, is widely distributed across the Americas and is known to utilize a wide range of host plants. While it has been recorded feeding on over 90 plant species, its association with invasive plants remains understudied. Acacia auriculiformis (A.Cunn. ex Benth.) (Fabaceae), commonly known as earleaf acacia, is an invasive tree in Florida, where it threatens native ecosystems. Seed collections from 21 A. auriculiformis trees began in 2022, when the trees were 3 years old, and continued annually through 2024, by which time the trees were 5 years old. This study reports the first recorded association of S. limbatus infesting A. auriculiformis seeds. The beetle infestation increased from 14.8 % in 2022 to 22.7 % in 2024, indicating a potential population buildup, though this increase was not statistically significant. Seed damage attributed to S. limbatus was identified by characteristic small, round emergence holes (1–2 mm in diameter) and internal larval feeding cavities containing frass. No evidence of larger openings, gnaw marks, or other damage typical of bird or rodent seed predation was observed. Additionally, we conducted seed germination trials for both intact seeds and those with S. limbatus exit holes. The results of our study showed that seeds damaged by S. limbatus did not germinate, while 95 % of those not infested germinated. This study demonstrates the potential impact of S. limbatus as a natural seed predator of A. auriculiformis , which could complement ongoing biological control efforts aimed at curbing the spread of this invasive species.