Adult: Black, hump-backed snout beetle, 1/4 inch long. Larva: Whitish, legless, yellowish head. Up to 1/3 inch long.
Peas, cowpeas and beans.
Adults eat small holes in pods and peas. Larvae feed within the green seed.
South atlantic and gulf states.
Adult cowpea curculio beetles overwinter near infested fields in crop debris or weeds. They begin to appear in pea or bean fields in spring where they pierce developing pods with their snouts and feed. Females deposit eggs, singly, in the feeding sites on the pods. Larvae emerge about four days later and feed on seeds in the pod. In approximately two to three weeks larvae reach maturity, bore a hole through the pod, and fall to the soil. Larvae enter the soil and pupate for about 10 days. There are one to two generations annually in Virginia.
Rotation of crops and removal of crop debris is important.
No organic or biological control currently available at this time.
Treat with a registered insecticide for cowpea curculio when pods begin to form.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)