The Modern Distribution and Biological Features of the Bean Beetle, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae) in the Eastern Black Sea Region

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The life cycle, trophic associations, distribution, and harmfulness of an invasive seed beetle species, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) were studied in the Eastern Black Sea region. The larvae develop in seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos L. and Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) K. Koch. The pest produces 2 or 3 generations per year and overwinters at the larval or adult stage. The infestation rate of Gleditsia seeds reached 94%, that of Gymnocladus seeds, 100%. The current range of M. dorsalis is continuous and covers the entire area of the honey locust introduction in Eurasia. The European populations of M. dorsalis must have arisen as a result of introduction with seeds, while the Middle Asian ones probably originated from immigrants from its native range. Since the Eurasian populations of M. dorsalis are already adapted to developing on G. triacanthos, introduction of this pest to North America would pose a threat to the natural forests with participation of Gleditsia and Gymnocladus dioicus.