Pea Weevil
Bruchus pisorum
This record describes Bruchus pisorum (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
anteriour femora are completely dark. conspicous white pattern elements: prescutellar triange on pronotum; spots on 3rd interval at 2/5th / 4/5th downwards; outwardly slanting row on intervals 5, 7, 9, at about 2/3rds length of elytron; the latter frequently connected by white maculae on intervals inbetween, resulting in M-figure. pygidium with white and black hair, forming two big spots. pest of stored peas ; most destructive to the common varieties of Pisum sativum and usually emerges in storage
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bruchinae
- Tribe
- Bruchini
- Genus
- Bruchus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive to NA, north to NF-AK - Map (Capinera, 2002) one of the most widely distributed species in the world , native to temperate Asia , adventive and widespread throughout NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dried peas; Lathyrus, Pisum, Vicia ( 4 )
Life History
must oviposit on green pods in the field and has only one generation each year; does not reinfest stored pea seeds, unlike some other bruchines
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bruchus pisorum (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bruchus pisorum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pea Weevil (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche
Frequently Asked Questions About Pea Weevil
What is Pea Weevil?
Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisorum) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pea Weevil?
3.9–4.9 mm
How do you identify Pea Weevil?
anteriour femora are completely dark. conspicous white pattern elements: prescutellar triange on pronotum; spots on 3rd interval at 2/5th / 4/5th downwards; outwardly slanting row on intervals 5, 7, 9, at about 2/3rds length of elytron; the latter frequently connected by white maculae on intervals inbetween, resulting in M-figure. pygidium with white and black hair, forming two big spots.
Where is Pea Weevil found?
Range: adventive to NA, north to NF-AK - Map (Capinera, 2002) one of the most widely distributed species in the world , native to temperate Asia , adventive and widespread throughout NA
What does Pea Weevil eat?
The diet of the Pea Weevil includes Dried peas; Lathyrus, Pisum, Vicia ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Pea Weevil?
must oviposit on green pods in the field and has only one generation each year; does not reinfest stored pea seeds, unlike some other bruchines