Cowpea Weevil
Description:
Adult weevils are 1/8-inch long, reddish-brown slightly elongate beetles
compared to the typical rounded appearance of other members of this family
(bruchids). Although weevil-like they are not true weevils (Curculionidae)
and do not have heads prolonged into a long "snout." Wing covers (elytra)
are marked with black and gray and there are two black spots near the middle . The elytra are short, leaving
the last segment of the abdomen exposed. This last abdominal segment also has
two black spots visible. The larva is whitish and somewhat C-shaped with a small head.
Life Cycle:
Adults may be found outdoors in flowers in early spring.
Eggs laid by females hatch in 5 to 20 days. Larvae typically feed
inside the pea, taking from 2 weeks to 6 months to develop before
pupating there. Six or seven generations may occur per year.
Pest Status:
Larvae typically develop inside the dried peas.
Larvae chew near the surface and leave a thin covering uneaten which
appears as a window. Later the adult emerges from the "window."
Adults attacks dried peas, cowpeas and other related stored seeds.
Damage appears as round holes in the peas.
Control:
Since damage is usually most severe during July and August,
very early maturing pea varieties and fall plantings may be grown with little injury.
Prompt removal of pods and destruction of old plants are suggested as insurance
against population buildup. Chemical control consists of applying foliar insecticides
to the underside of leaves or using a granular insecticide in furrow at planting.
