Diet

• Adults: Feed primarily on pollen, nectar and plant tissues, although adults of some species feed very little.

• Larvae: Develop inside seeds, where they consume the developing seed contents.

• Many Megacerus species are closely associated with morning glories and other plants in the family Convolvulaceae.

Range

• Megacerus is a predominantly Neotropical genus of seed beetles, occurring from Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean and South America.

• Mexico supports numerous species, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Megacerus species occur in Guerrero and around Zihuatanejo, particularly where morning glories and other Convolvulaceae are abundant.

• Around Zihuatanejo, these beetles are occasional, but can be locally noticeable when their host plants are producing seeds.

Habitat

• Found in tropical dry forest, tropical deciduous forest, scrub, woodland edges, roadsides, gardens, agricultural areas and disturbed vegetation.

• Adults may be encountered on morning glory vines and their flowers.

• Developing larvae remain concealed inside seeds, where they are protected from many external predators.

Size

• Adult length: approximately 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in), depending on species.

• Body generally compact and oval, with a short to moderately developed snout.

• Colouration is often brown, grey, black or mottled, providing camouflage among seeds and dried plant material.