Bean/Pea Weevil

5581   We recently captured a photo of unidentified insects at a cottage while travelling in Nova Scotia. This was discovered in January inside the building, mainly in the kitchen area. If you enlarge the upper attached photograph, the object is quite clear. We are unable to find anything of a similar nature on-line. Could you help us identify this insect?  Thanks,  Leann
This is a specialized type of leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the subfamily Bruchinae known as a bean or pea weevil; see http://tinyurl.com/juq5o67 for an example. Their larvae develop in seeds, primarily those of legumes, and can be pantry pests at times. You might want to check any food storage areas where dry seeds (including bird seed) are kept for signs of infestation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.