Chalcodermus aeneus
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Chalcodermus aeneus Boheman , 1837 - (cowpea curculio)
This weevil is found in southern North America, as well as in Central and South America. Adults and larvae feed on the green pods and seeds, causing serious damage in infested areas. Yield losses can exceed 50%. The weevil has been a major factor for the decline of cowpea production in the U.S. since the 1930s (Riley & Sparks, 2019).
The adult beetles emerge from the soil in spring. Females lay their eggs on the pods or directly on the developing seeds. The larvae feed on the seeds, and when mature drop to the ground and pupate in the soil. One generation lasts around 5 weeks, and there are 1 or 2 generations per year. Other legume may be also attacked. The adult beetle is around 5 mm long, black with a deeply pitted cuticle.
For a review see Riley & Sparks (2019).
