(Sitophilus granarius)

The Granary Weevil is a small weevil belonging to the family Curculionidae. It is a common pest of stored grains and cereals, infesting a variety of stored products in agricultural and food storage facilities.

Larval Feeding: The larvae of Granary Weevils are internal feeders, causing damage by tunneling into the inner portions of stored grains.
Flight Capability: Adult weevils are capable of flight, allowing them to disperse and infest new grain stores.
Control:
Control measures for Granary Weevils involve maintaining proper storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control. Regular inspection and monitoring of stored grains are crucial for early detection. Integrated pest management strategies may include the use of insect-proof storage containers, sanitation practices, and, if necessary, the application of insecticides or fumigation.

Given their ability to infest stored grains and cause economic losses, effective management of Granary Weevil infestations requires a proactive approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Granary Weevils are small, measuring about 2 to 4 millimeters in length. They have an elongated, cylindrical body with a distinct snout. The coloration is usually reddish-brown to black. One characteristic feature is the absence of distinct wing covers.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Granary Weevil includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female weevils lay eggs on or inside stored grains, and the emerging larvae feed on the internal parts of the grains. The pupal stage occurs within the grain, and adult weevils emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Granary Weevils reproduce rapidly, and the development from egg to adult can be completed in a few weeks, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Granary Weevils are commonly found in stored grains, especially in facilities where grains are stored in bulk. They infest a variety of cereal products, including wheat, barley, oats, rice, and other stored goods.

Description

The primary food source for Granary Weevils is stored grains. They are known to infest a variety of cereals, causing damage by consuming the internal parts of the grains. Granary Weevil infestations can result in significant losses in stored products, as the larvae consume and contaminate the grains.