BRUCHUS, in zoology, a genus of insects belong-
ing to the order of coleoptera. The feelers are filiform,
and gradually increase in thickness. There are seven
species, viz. 1. The pisi, has grey elytra interspersed
with white spots, and a white fundament with two
black spots. It is a native of North America, and
destroys whole fields of peas: It is now found in se-
veral of the southern parts of Europe; where it does
great injury to the corn. 2. The theobromæ, with
whitish elytra interspersed with black points. It fre-
quents the theobromæ or chocolate-trees in the East
Indies. 3. The gleditiæ, with striated elytra of the
same length with the belly, a pitch-coloured body, and
green feelers. It is a native of America. 4. The
bæctris, with smooth elytra, a hoary body, and the
hind part of the thighs oval. It frequents the palm-
trees of Jamaica. 5. The granarius, has black elytra;
the fore-feet are red, and the hind-feet are dentated.
It frequents the seeds of plants in different parts of
Europe. 6. The feminarius is black, with the base
of the feelers and fore-feet testaceous. It is about the
size of a louse, and a native of Europe. 7. The pec-
cornis, with comb-shaped feelers longer than the body.
It is a native of Barbary and China.