Bean and Cowpea Weevils
Acanthoscelides obtectus; Callosobruchus maculatus
Bean weevil (Clemson University, Bugwood.org)
Cowpea weevil (Ryan Davis, Utah State University Extension)
Cowpea weevil damage to sweet potato (B. Merle Shepard, Clemson University, Bugwood.org)
Identification
bean weevil:
- 1/8 inch long
- light olive brown with darker brown or cream-colored markings
- reddish appendages
- body narrows evenly toward the small head
- strong fliers
cowpea weevil:
- outer wings tipped with black with two large black dots above
Nesting Habits
- usually infest legumes in the field
- indoors: breed continuously in dried legumes stored in warm conditions
Diet
- legumes in the field
- dried legumes such as beans, cowpeas, lentils and peas
Significance
- can damage stored legumes
IPM Recommendations
- Inspect incoming legumes for beetles and monitor indoor legume storage regularly.
- Locate and dispose of infested legumes.
- Store all susceptible food items in pest-proof containers.
- Clean spilled food products and food storage areas in general.
- Keep food, especially legumes, in regular rotation.
- Keep moisture low in food storage areas by improving ventilation.