In storage all varieties of beans, peas, lentils and some seeds are attacked. The larvae feed inside the beans and when numerous, nothing but the shell remains. This reduces the food value of the beans as well as reducing the germination potential of the bean seed. The elytra are shorter than the abdomen leaving a few segments exposed. The larva is a white grub with a brown head.
Adult weevils lay eggs on the developing bean pods in the field.
In 3 to 30 days the tiny grubs emerge and make their way into the seed. Here they feed until mature, and pupation occurs. Indoors in stored seed multiple generations occur and breeding continues as long as there is any food left in the beans and the temperature is suitable for reproduction. Bean seed used for cooking purposes is dry when harvested. Shells are then removed.