Small nutcracker

Widely distributed in the steppes and forest-steppes , also found in the southern part of the taiga . It inhabits the European part of the former USSR , which includes Crimea , the Caucasus and Transcaucasia , northern Kazakhstan , southern Siberia (from the Ural Mountains to Transbaikalia ), the foothills of the Alatau Mountains. It is also registered in the Far East (south of Sakhalin ). It is found everywhere in Europe (with the exception of the far north), it is also found in North Africa , Asia Minor , and the north of Mongolia . Introduced to North America . ^[3]

The beetle is 6 to 9 mm long and 1.8 to 2.8 mm wide. Larvae of yellow color, up to 20 mm long and up to 1.5 mm wide, elongated and stiff. ^[3]

One of the strongest pests of crops . The pest of most crops, as well as corn , sunflower , peanuts , common beets , potatoes and others, even young seedlings of trees. Not much harm to beans (except peanuts ), buckwheat , flax , mustard . The maximum damage is caused by eating seeds sown in the soil, damage to seedlings, tillering nodes in cereals , making moves in root crops and tubers . ^[3]

Beetles emerge from soil heated to 9-10 ° C. They lead a secretive lifestyle, are active in the afternoon, do not fly actively, after sunset. ^[3]