Bean Weevil
Acanthoscelides obtectus
Weevil Identification
2.0 – 3.0mm long, mottled brown in colour. They have a ‘tear drop’ like body shape and are covered in short hairs. Saw-tooth like antennae and elytra that do not cover the entire abdomen
Description
Larvae feed mostly inside beans. These weevils attack all legumes, including kidney beans, green beans, peas and lentils. Heavily infested peas are often reduced to shells.
Lifecycle usually lasts 2-4 months. The larvae feed within the beans as they mature. The larval stage can take from a few weeks to many months to complete, depending upon temperature and moisture of the bean. Pupation is within the bean. Circular holes are cut for the adult to emerge. Development and breeding goes on as long as there is any food left in the bean and the temperature is right (warmer temperatures are preferred).
