Cowpea Curculio

Catalogue Type

Plant Pests Catalogue

Scientific Name

Chalcodermus aeneus

Family

Cueculionidae

Distinguishing Characters

The larva is pale yellow in color, although the head and prothoracic plate are yellowish brown.
Adult is oval and black in color, with a faint bronze tint.

Host Crop

Cowpea, snap bean, lima bean, and pea

Order

Coleoptera

Photo of Insect

Photo of Damaged Crop

Description

Both adult and larval stages feed on seeds within the pods.

Female deposits an egg at a site where she has been feeding. Small cavities and shallow furrows are typical forms of injury.