(Oryzaephilus mercator)

The Merchant Grain Beetle is a small beetle that belongs to the family Silvanidae. It is a common pest of stored grains and cereals, infesting stored products in agricultural and food storage facilities.

Larval Feeding: The larvae of Merchant Grain Beetles are internal 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 Merchant Grain Beetles 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 Merchant Grain Beetle infestations requires a proactive approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Merchant Grain Beetles are small, measuring about 2 to 3 millimeters in length. They have an elongated and flattened body, usually brown in color. The body is covered with fine hairs, giving it a slightly fuzzy appearance.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Merchant Grain Beetle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female beetles lay eggs on or near stored grains, and the emerging larvae feed on the internal parts of the grains. The pupal stage occurs within the grain, and adult beetles emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Merchant Grain 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.

Merchant Grain 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, corn, and rice. Merchant Grain Beetles can also infest processed products like flour and cereals.

Description

The primary food source for Merchant Grain Beetles is stored grains. They infest a variety of cereals, causing damage by consuming the internal portions of the grains. While the larvae primarily feed on the endosperm of the grains, the adults can also consume the outer layers.