(Rhyzopertha dominica)

The Lesser Grain Borer is a small beetle that is a significant pest of stored grains, causing economic losses in agricultural and food storage industries. It belongs to the family Bostrichidae and is known for its ability to infest a variety of stored products.

Larval Feeding: The larvae of Lesser Grain Borers are voracious feeders, causing damage by tunneling into the inner portions of stored grains.
Flight Capability: Adult beetles are capable of flight, allowing them to disperse and infest new grain stores.
Control:
Control measures for Lesser Grain Borers 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 Lesser Grain Borer infestations requires a proactive approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Lesser Grain Borers are small, measuring about 2 to 3 millimeters in length. They have an elongated and cylindrical body, usually brown or reddish-brown in color. The head is partially concealed under the pronotum, giving them a distinctive appearance.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Lesser Grain Borer includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female beetles lay eggs within the grains, and the emerging larvae feed on the internal parts of the grains. The pupal stage occurs within the grain kernel, and adult beetles emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Female Lesser Grain Borers are prolific egg layers, and their eggs are laid directly on or near the grain kernels. The larvae bore into the grains, causing damage, and the development from egg to adult takes several weeks.

Lesser Grain Borers 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, corn, and rice. The larvae feed on the internal parts of the grains, causing significant damage to stored products.

Description

The primary food source for Lesser Grain Borers is stored grains. They infest a variety of cereal products, including whole grains and processed products. The larvae feed on the endosperm of the grains, reducing the quality and market value of stored products. They are known to infest both whole grains and broken kernels.