Which pest is likely to infest dried beans and peas?

Which pest is likely to infest dried beans and peas?

• A. Carpet beetle
• B. Granary weevil
• C. Rice weevil
• D. Confused flour beetle

Answer: (B)

The granary weevil is known for its specific infestation of dried beans and peas, making it the correct answer to the question. This pest has a preference for stored grains and legumes, where it lays eggs and the larvae feed on the stored products, leading to damage and contamination. The granary weevil's ability to thrive in such environments and its reproductive cycle significantly impact the integrity of dried beans and peas, making it a primary pest of concern in these commodities. In contrast, while other pests like the carpet beetle, rice weevil, and confused flour beetle can also affect stored food products, they have different primary targets and feeding behaviors. The carpet beetle is more of a generalist pest that tends to infest a variety of materials, including fabrics and other organic materials, rather than focusing solely on legumes. The rice weevil primarily infests rice and some other grains, but is less associated with beans and peas. The confused flour beetle largely targets flour and other milled products, making it less likely to be a significant pest for dried beans and peas. Thus, the granary weevil stands out as the most relevant pest to this specific question about infestations in dried legumes.

The granary weevil is known for its specific infestation of dried beans and peas, making it the correct answer to the question. This pest has a preference for stored grains and legumes, where it lays eggs and the larvae feed on the stored products, leading to damage and contamination. The granary weevil's ability to thrive in such environments and its reproductive cycle significantly impact the integrity of dried beans and peas, making it a primary pest of concern in these commodities.

In contrast, while other pests like the carpet beetle, rice weevil, and confused flour beetle can also affect stored food products, they have different primary targets and feeding behaviors. The carpet beetle is more of a generalist pest that tends to infest a variety of materials, including fabrics and other organic materials, rather than focusing solely on legumes. The rice weevil primarily infests rice and some other grains, but is less associated with beans and peas. The confused flour beetle largely targets flour and other milled products, making it less likely to be a significant pest for dried beans and peas. Thus, the granary weevil stands out as the most relevant pest to this specific question about infestations in dried legumes.