Size: |
Sawtoothed grain beetle adult is 1/8 in (2.5-3 mm)
long; mature larva less than 1/8 in (3 mm) long. |
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). |
Color: |
Adult is brown. Mature larva is yellowish white. |
Geographic Range: |
Sawtoothed grain beetles are found around the world. |
Comparison with other species: |
Merchant, foreign, and squarenecked grain beetles are very similar
to the sawtoothed grain beetle. Other small dark beetles do not have
6 saw-like teeth on each side of thorax. |
Habitat: |
Home is food. Food is home! |
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. |
Invasion: |
The flat body of the sawtoothed grain beetle allows it to enter
food containers and poorly sealed packaging through very small cracks. |
Damage: |
Destruction of stored materials in homes and in grocery stores. |
Prevention: |
- Inspect incoming items.
- Supply ventilation.
- Keep buildings in good physical condition to reduce entry.
- Quickly remove spilled grain.
- Keep facility and grounds generally clean.
- Store pallets 18 inches away from walls.
- Replace torn packages.
- Rotate food and nonfood stock. Rotate oldest stock out first.
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