Cowpea Curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus
(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The cowpea curculio occurs primarily in the southeastern United States. It overwinters in the adult stage and emerges in April or May to begin feeding. Production of eggs does not usually occur until cowpea is available, which is in June or July. There are usually one to two generations per year. The adults are long-lived, surviving for several months, and about 30 to 40 days are required for a complete generation. The egg is round and white. Eggs are deposited in the pod of the host or within the seed of the pod. The larva is pale yellow with a yellowish-brown head. The larva lacks legs but has stiff bristles. Pupation occurs in the soil and the pupa is yellowish-white. The adult is black with a faint bronze tint. Adults overwinter in the soil or other organic debris.

The cowpea curculio feeds on legumes including cowpea, snap bean, lima bean, and pea. Some weeds may also serve as alternate hosts. Damage is done by both the adult and larval stages that feed on the seeds within pods. Insecticides are commonly applied in order to manage cowpea curculio populations. Cultural control practices include crop rotation, tillage, and destruction of alternate hosts. Host plant resistance may also be used. No commercial biological control products are currently available for managing cowpea curculio.

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Cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus, adult.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)

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Cowpea curculio, Chalcodermus aeneus,
adult, dorsal view.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of
Florida)

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