Pollen beetle

In accessing the pollen of such plants, many pollen-feeding insects form mutually beneficial ecological relationships.

Others damage the flowers however, reducing seed set, and harming the crop rather than benefiting it.

Strict anemophiles commonly produce pollen that is low in nutritive value, since it is not adapted to attract or feed pollinators.

It is not clear whether it causes more harm to crops by eating pollen and young tissues than it does good by promoting pollination.

It is more of a predator than say, Astylus species, and is accordingly valued as an agent in pest management programs, but pollen is a major part of its diet.