The weevil punctures the pod, chews a small hole in the surface of the pea and lays a single egg. It then chews an exit hole through the pod , drops to the ground, and pupates about 1 inch deep in the soil. Approximately seven or eight days elapse from the time that the eggs are laid until they emerge from the pod. The pupal stage lasts about six days. About 21 to 50 days are required to complete the life cycle with two generations each year.
Generations overlap and all stages can be present on southern peas at the same time.
The only feasible approach to control of cowpea curculio is a preventive spray program. Curculios will be a serious pest of peas from first bloom until harvest. The current recommended spray schedule begins with a spray at first bloom and repeat treatments made on a five-day schedule until five applications have been made. Weevils and Borers. A County Agent's Guide to Insects Important to Agriculture in Georgia.