Grain Beetles
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Beetle - common name for insects of the order Coleoptera, which, with more than 300,000 described species, is the largest of the insect orders. Beetles have chewing mouthparts and well-developed antennae. They are characterized by a front pair of hard, opaque, waterproof wings called elytra, which usually meet in a straight line down the middle of the back. The elytra cover the rear pair of membranous flight wings, protecting them and the body from mechanical damage and desiccation. Beetles are poor flyers compared with many other insects, but they are well adapted for surviving rigorous conditions. They are found everywhere except in oceans and near the poles, and they occupy nearly every kind of habitat. Most are terrestrial, but some are underground tunnelers and some live in water. These water beetles are often confused with water bugs, but the latter all have sucking mouthparts. Beetles range in size from under 132 in. (1 mm) to over 6 in. (15 cm) long; tropical species are the largest. Most are dull, but members of several beetle families are brilliantly colored, some with a metallic or iridescent sheen. The majority of beetles are plant eaters, but there are also many predators and scavengers and a few parasites. Many beetles are highly destructive pests of crops and gardens (e.g., Japanese beetle , potato beetle , boll weevil ), but others are beneficial predators of harmful insects (e.g., ladybird beetles ). The largest of the many beetle families is the scarab beetle family, with over 20,000 species; among these are the dung beetles, which are invaluable scavengers. Weevils are plant-eating beetles with mouthparts elongated into snouts bearing jaws at their ends. The fireflies are luminescent beetles. Blister beetles , including the so-called Spanish fly, produce irritating secretions. Beetles are classified in the phylum Arthropoda , class Insecta, order Coleoptera.
Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003.
The adult grain beetles range in size from 1/10 inch to 1/4 inch and may be various shades of brown, red-brown , or black . They are found primarily in the kitchen or food storage area, including dry pet food and birdseed. These insects feed on grain products. The adult beetles and moths are frequently seen in cabinets, on counters and around windows.
DAMAGE AND CONCERN
The larvae and some adults of these insects feed on grains (rice, barley, corn, wheat, bird seed), grain products(oatmeal, cornmeal, pasta, cereals, flour, cake mixes, pancake flour, granola, dry pet food), nuts, dried fruits, and other dried plant material (dried flower arrangements, ornamental corn, seed displays). All life stages can be found in these products, often simultaneously.
CONTROL
Non chemical: When infestations are discovered, remove and inspect opened and unopened food packages from the cabinets. Discard infested packages. Vacuum shelves and cracks around shelves to remove spilled food and insects and dispose of the vacuumed material. Wash shelves with soapy water. Place food products in airtight containers. If no insects are found after 6 -12 months, they have probably been eliminated from the home.
