Origin:
This species may be native to North America, but now is found throughout the world as a pest of stored dry legumes.
Biology:
This is a common species of the bean "weevils", preferring cowpeas over other legumes but also infesting any other dried beans or peas in storage. The larvae feed on the inside of the pea for 2 to 6 weeks before pupating, the length of time dependent on moisture and temperature. The adult beetles then emerge through a thin "window" created by the larva, mate, and often lay eggs back on the same batch of legumes. Up to 7 generations may occur in a year.
Identification:
The adult beetle is only about 1/8 inch long, and reddish brown with a large dark spot in the middle of each wing cover. Typical of the bean weevils the elytra are short and leave the last few segments of the abdomen exposed from above. The head tends to tuck under the thorax, particularly on dead specimens where it curls downward.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Control of these stored food pests relies on recognizing the likely food products they infest, searching to find the infested materials, and disposing of that source. Good stock rotation will help to prevent the beetles from beginning the infestation. In a home many unusual sources need to be investigated, including decorative items that have dried legumes in them. Insecticides may be needed only to eliminate any remaining adult beetles that are wandering about.
