| Size: |
Sawtoothed grain beetle adult is 1/8 in (2.5-3 mm) long; mature larva less than 1/8 in (3 mm) long. |
| Color: |
Adult is brown. Mature larva is yellowish white. |
| Characteristics: |
Adult has flattened body, 6 saw-like teeth on each side of prothorax. Length of region directly behind the eye is more than half the vertical diameter of the eye. Wings are present, developed, but this insect is not observed flying. Mature larva is long and fairly smooth, antennae with 3 segments (2nd segment the longest, 3rd segment very small). |
| Geographic Range: |
Sawtoothed grain beetles are found around the world. |
| Food: |
Foodstuffs, including grains, cereals, bread, pasta products, dried meat, dried fruit and nuts, sugar, chocolate, candy, tobacco products and drugs. |
| Biology: |
The sawtoothed grain beetle female lays shiny white eggs singly or in small clusters in crevices in food material during a 2-5 month period. Depending upon temperature, the eggs hatch in 3-17 days. The larva goes through 3 molts, and makes a cocoon using food particles glued together with a sticky substance from its mouth. The cocoon hangs by its rear end from a solid object. Warm temperatures (86-95 degrees F/30-35 C) and 70%+ relative humidity may result in as many as 6-7 generations per year. Adults live about 6-10 months, but may live longer than 3 years. |
