Foreign grain beetle of the sylvan flat bark beetle family is found in the tropical and temperate areas. They mostly infest grains, oilseeds, spices, cereals, and dried fruits, particularly those that have gotten a little moldy, hence the name.
Size: 2 mm
Color: They are mostly reddish-brown but can even appear black at times.
Other Characteristic Features: These beetles have a flat body with club-shaped antennae and knobs projecting from each end of its pronotum.
They closely resemble a worm and have a cream body.
No detail is available regarding the foreign grain beetle pupa. However, they grow to about 3mm after entering the pupal phase and finally mature into adults.
The females lay eggs 3 or 4 days after the completion of the pupal phase. The eggs are laid in 2 – 3 clusters and hatch within 4 – 5 days.
| Lifespan of Adults | 5 – 10 months |
| Distribution | Temperate and tropical regions |
| Habitat | Grain storage facilities, old homes near damp, moist walls or humid bathroom that is a breeding place for fungi, humid bathrooms, or even in spoiled food |
| Common Predators | Parasitic wasps, spiders, and several other insects |
| Seasons active from | August – September |
| Diet of larvae and adults | Dead insects, fungus, grains |
They are harmless and do not damage furniture or food grains. However, their infestation is an indication of damp and moist storage conditions.
The best and easiest way to control them is by eliminating any dampness in the surrounding since they either go away or die when the humidity is less than 60%.
Image Source: grainscanada.gc.ca, media.padil.gov.au, plunketts.net, bugguide.net, canr.msu.edu
Foreign grain beetle of the sylvan flat bark beetle family is found in the tropical and temperate areas. They mostly infest grains, oilseeds, spices, cereals, and dried fruits, particularly those that have gotten a little moldy, hence the name.
Size: 2 mm
Color: They are mostly reddish-brown but can even appear black at times.
Other Characteristic Features: These beetles have a flat body with club-shaped antennae and knobs projecting from each end of its pronotum.
They closely resemble a worm and have a cream body.
No detail is available regarding the foreign grain beetle pupa. However, they grow to about 3mm after entering the pupal phase and finally mature into adults.
The females lay eggs 3 or 4 days after the completion of the pupal phase. The eggs are laid in 2 – 3 clusters and hatch within 4 – 5 days.
| Lifespan of Adults | 5 – 10 months |
| Distribution | Temperate and tropical regions |
| Habitat | Grain storage facilities, old homes near damp, moist walls or humid bathroom that is a breeding place for fungi, humid bathrooms, or even in spoiled food |
| Common Predators | Parasitic wasps, spiders, and several other insects |
| Seasons active from | August – September |
| Diet of larvae and adults | Dead insects, fungus, grains |
They are harmless and do not damage furniture or food grains. However, their infestation is an indication of damp and moist storage conditions.
The best and easiest way to control them is by eliminating any dampness in the surrounding since they either go away or die when the humidity is less than 60%.
Image Source: grainscanada.gc.ca, media.padil.gov.au, plunketts.net, bugguide.net, canr.msu.edu
