Many species of the families Elateridate (Melanotus, Agroties, and Dalopius are among the important genera) and Tenebrionidae (Eleodes spp.).

Damage to plants

• Boring and feeding of plant roots.
• Crop lodging.
• Injury to base of stem.

Signs

• Patchy seedling emergence.
• Wilting and tillering of seedlings.
• Lodging of older plants.

Factors favoring insects / pest development

• Mild weather during the cold season favors survival of larvae and adult beetles.
• Moist soil.
• Grassy or weedy fields attract adults to oviposit.
• Poorly drained soils (for some species).

Geographic distribution

• Worldwide distribution.

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