Category Archives: Stored Product Pest

FUNGUS BEETLES

Characteristics Black Fungus Beetle Two fungus beetles that infest food products are closed related to the lesser mealworm beetle. The black fungus beetle, Alphitobius laevigatus is of similar size (1/4”, 6mm), shape and coloring to the lesser mealworm beetle, however, its eyes when viewed from the side, are different. The eye of the black fungus […]

FOREIGN GRAIN BEETLE

Foreign Grain BeetleThe foreign grain beetle, Ahasverus advena, is a small and flattened beetle about 1/12 inch (2mm) long. It is reddish brown and has a three-segmented antennal club. The key identifying character is the sharp points at the front, outer edges of the prothorax. Damage In most areas, foreign grain beetle is of minor […]

FLOUR BEETLE

Flour BeetleThe flour beetles belong to the Family Tenebrionidae which also contains the larger mealworm beetles and the darkling beetles. Tenebrionids can be distinguished from similar looking beetles by examining the tarsi on the legs. On these beetles, the front and middle legs have five-segmented tarsi while the tarsi of the hind legs has only […]

CARPET BEETLE

Carpet BeetleAnthrenus flavipes, are slightly larger and rounder than the varied carpet beetle adult. Coloration and markings of the adult are highly variable, but they generally have a mottled appearance due to white and dark yellow to orange scales interspersed with black spots on their elytra; if these scales have been worn off, they may […]

WAREHOUSE & CABINET BEETLES

Damage They infest boxes of stored, dried insects. The setae or “hairs” of Trogoderma larvae are important health hazards and are one of the reasons health and food regulatory officials are so concerned about infestations of these beetles. The setae are shed within the food product infested by the larvae and are present on the […]

CIGARETTE BEETLE

Cigarette BeetleThe cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, also known as the tobacco beetle, is pest of stored products. Stored-product pests are responsible for tremendous damage and economic losses to post-harvest and stored grains and seeds, packaged food products and animal and plant derived items and commodities. The cigarette beetle is a commonly encountered stored-product pest in […]