Adult: Brownish, white, black and grayish markings. 1/5 inch long. Larvae: White, small brown head and mouth, up to 1/3 inch long.
Peas.
Adults feed in blossoms and lay eggs on young pods. Larvae burrow into green seed.
Throughout United States. Most troublesome in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and New York.
Pea weevils overwinter as adults in protected areas, such as outbuildings, tree bark, or fenceposts. When temperatures reach about 20 C weevils migrate to the borders of pea fields. Larvae emerge from eggs in about 14-28 days and enter pea pods where they feed inside seeds for about 40-50 days. Mature larvae pupate in pods for about two weeks.
Begin net sweeps at flowering stage and continue until pods begin to dry. Sweep along borders of fields about 2 yards into the crop, especially along edges which border any potential hibernation locations such as outbuildings, hedgerows, etc. After 25 sweeps count weevils. Repeat these 25 sweeps at 5-10 additional locations around field. If the number of pea weevils collected averages two or more per 25 sweeps treatment is warranted.
Dry seed after harvest. Destroy vines immediately after harvest.
Birds may feed on pea weevils.
Treat with a registered insecticide. Treat 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.
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Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)