(Cryptolestes ferrugineus)

The Rusty Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus) is a small beetle belonging to the family Laemophloeidae. It is a common pest of stored grains, infesting various cereal products and causing economic losses in grain storage facilities and food processing industries.

Flight Capability: Adult Rusty Grain Beetles are capable of flight, allowing them to disperse and infest new grain stores.
Nocturnal Activity: These beetles are often more active during the night. They may move within storage facilities and infest new areas.
Control:
Control measures for Rusty Grain Beetles involve maintaining proper storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control. Regular inspection of stored grains is essential for early detection and intervention. 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 their ability to infest stored grains and cause economic losses, effective management of Rusty Grain Beetle infestations requires a proactive approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Rusty Grain Beetles are tiny, measuring about 1.5 to 2.0 millimeters in length. They have an elongated and flattened body with a reddish-brown to rusty-brown color, which gives them their common name.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Rusty Grain Beetle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female beetles lay eggs within the crevices of grains, and the emerging larvae feed on the internal parts of the grains. The pupal stage occurs within the grains, and adult beetles emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Female Rusty Grain Beetles lay eggs on or near stored grains. The larvae hatch and bore into the grains, feeding on the endosperm. Development from egg to adult takes about 30 days under favorable conditions.

Rusty 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, rice, barley, oats, and other grains. They thrive in environments with suitable temperature and humidity levels.

Description

Rusty Grain Beetles primarily feed on stored grains. They are known to infest a variety of cereal products, causing damage to the grains by consuming the endosperm. The beetles do not directly consume the outer layers of the grains but feed on the internal parts, reducing the quality and market value of stored grains.