Callosobruchus maculatus(F.) prefers smooth- to rough-seeded varieties and cheeks to other areas of the seeds for oviposition on cowpeas. It does not oviposit on the seed hilum, which is spongy and fibrillary in texture. Differences in seed-coat texture are considered to be responsible for the preferences. Scanning electron microscopy revealed deep pits in seeds that are rough-coated but not in those that are smooth-coated.