(Trogoderma granarium)

The Khapra Beetle is a destructive pest of stored grains and cereals. It is infamous for its ability to cause significant damage to stored products and is of quarantine significance in many countries due to its potential impact on agricultural and trade activities.

Larval Feeding: The larvae of Khapra Beetles are voracious feeders, causing extensive damage by tunneling into the inner portions of stored grains.
Silk Webbing: Larvae produce silk webbing within the grains, and the presence of this webbing is a key indicator of Khapra Beetle infestations.
Flight Capability: Adult beetles are capable of flight, allowing them to disperse and infest new grain stores.
Control:
Control measures for Khapra Beetles involve strict quarantine measures in many regions. Prevention is crucial, and it includes maintaining proper storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control. Regular inspection and monitoring of stored grains are essential 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.

Due to its quarantine significance and potential for widespread damage, effective management of Khapra Beetle infestations requires a coordinated and vigilant approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Khapra Beetles are small, measuring about 2 to 3 millimeters in length. They have a compact, oval-shaped body with a reddish-brown to dark brown coloration. The body is covered in fine hairs, giving it a velvety appearance.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Khapra Beetle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female beetles lay eggs on or near stored grains, and the emerging larvae feed on the grains, creating silk webbing. The pupal stage occurs within the silk webbing, and adult beetles emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Khapra Beetles 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.

Khapra Beetles 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. The larvae create silk webbing within the grains, contributing to the identification of infestations.

Description

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