Bean Weevil

Acanthoscelides obtectus

Appearance

Image of Bean Weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • 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

Lifecycle

  • 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)

Habits

  • 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