Applied evolutionary ecology of insects of the subfamily Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Bean beetles of the subfamily Bruchinae (formerly, the family Bruchidae) include notorious pests of stored legumes, Callosobruchus, Caryedon, Acanthoscelides and Zabrotes that are able to feed and reproduce on dried beans and peas. Here, I review recent findings on the ecology, phylogeny, invasion and evolution in the bean beetles, based on field investigation of host plants and molecular studies. Possible future application of the new knowledge to weed and pest control is proposed, such as potential utility of the seed predators for modest control of beneficial yet invasive (‘conflict’) plants and new control methodology of pest bean beetles.