Pea leaf weevil (June 6, 2019; Wk 09)

Pea Leaf Weevil (Sitona lineatus) – Model runs for Red Deer and Saskatoon were projected to June 30, 2019. Results indicated that oviposition is well underway at both locations.  

Figure 1. Predicted status of pea leaf weevil populations near Red Deer AB projected to June 30, 2019, using long term average temperatures.

Figure 2.  Predicted status of pea leaf weevil populations near Saskatoon SK projected to June 30, 2019, using long term average temperatures.

This week, pea leaf weevil and its doppelgangers were featured as part of the INSECT OF THE WEEK.  

Adults will feed upon the leaf margins and growing points of legume seedlings (alfalfa, clover, dry beans, faba beans, peas) and produce a characteristic, scalloped (notched) edge.  Females lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in the soil either near or on developing pea or faba bean plants from May to June.

Biological and monitoring information related to pea leaf weevil in field crops is posted by the province of Alberta and in the PPMN monitoring protocol.

Also refer to the pea leaf weevil page within the "Field Crop and Forage Pests and their Natural Enemies in Western Canada: Identification and management field guide" - both English-enhanced or French-enhanced versions are available.  A review of this insect was published in 2011 in Prairie Soils and Crops by Carcamo and Vankosky.