Biología de Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab. 1775) (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) “gorgojo del caupí”, en semillas de Vigna unguiculata (L.)

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a legume cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and a low-cost source of protein. During storage, the grains are infested by Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab. 1775). The aim of this study was to determine in the laboratory and during three generations the duration of the development cycle, reproductive capacity, longevity and to make a morphological description of their development stages. The egg stage during the three generations lasted an average of 3.5 days, in the larva 13.0 days in the first and second generation and 14.0 days in the third, the pupa 5.0 days in the first and second and 5, 5 days in the third. The development cycle for the first and second generations lasted 23.0 days and 24.5 days for the third. The total average number of eggs per female in the first generation was 51.6 ± 3.9; 90.2 ± 3.6 in the second and 93.2 ± 10.5 in the third. Regarding adult longevity, it was higher in females than in males. What has been done allows us to have a basic methodology for subsequent biological studies in stored grains of other legume species that are infested by this weevil in our region.