How about a detailed description in lieu of some pictures? Keep in mind that juvenile beetles don't look anything like adult beetles....so a good description is necessary.

This post was edited by rhizo_1 on Mon, Jan 19, 15 at 17:25

Sorry, no description, no photo. There are no insects remaining at this time. The pods are all open, and there is not a new crop yet. I am unable to accurately describe the insects I have seen. And ... I said it looks like a beetle. But I am a total non-entymologist, so I want to retract that description. I am hoping another person has had this experience. If I have some possible species to look up, I may find it.

They are most likely seed beetles - compare the insect you saw to Stator beali or Stator limbatus, which are known to infest Texas ebony seeds.

They won't harm the trees, but I'm not sure whether there is any good method for reducing seed infestation.

Ok, saccharum -- I believe you scored a direct hit. Stator beali is said to use only ebenopsis ebano, which is my tree. I don't recognize the bug in the photos, but I have only viewed what I found in the pods, and some I found still in the seeds. Maybe they develop colors later in life. I am going to assume this is my bug. Many thanks for the response.
I know you will reply if you find any possible remedies.