Brassicogethes aeneus · rapsinis žiedinukas
- Meligethes aeneus
- common pollen beetle, rape pollen beetle, rape blossom beetle
- Rapsglanzkäfer
- rapsinis žiedinukas, rapsinis žiedgraužis
- krustziežu spīdulis
- słodyszek rzepakowiec
It is found in Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and North America. Adults are about 2–3 mm long, 1–2 mm wide and black with a hint of metallic green. The larvae are up to 3 mm long and white with brown sclerotised plates.
The female beetle lays its eggs in the flower buds of the host-plant and the larvae develop within the flowers. Oviposition and feeding damage the buds of oilseed rape and similar Brassicas and may cause the flowers to drop. Both adults and larvae feed on the pollen and nectar in the flowers. Brassicogethes aeneus is an important pest of oilseed rape. It is not known whether it contributes to the pollination of the crop.
‥