(Oryzaephilus surinamensis)

The Sawtoothed Grain Beetle is a small beetle that belongs to the family Silvanidae. It is a common pest of stored products, infesting a variety of dried plant materials, especially grains and cereals.

Larval Feeding: The larvae of Sawtoothed Grain Beetles are voracious feeders, causing damage by tunneling into the inner portions of stored products.
Flight Capability: Adult beetles are capable of flight, allowing them to disperse and infest new areas.
Control:
Control measures for Sawtoothed Grain Beetles involve maintaining proper storage conditions, including temperature and humidity control. Regular inspection and monitoring of stored products 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 products and cause economic losses, effective management of Sawtoothed Grain Beetle infestations requires a proactive approach to storage hygiene and pest control.

Overview

Biology

Appearance: Adult Sawtoothed Grain Beetles are small, measuring about 2 to 3 millimeters in length. They have a flat, elongated body with six saw-like projections on each side of the thorax, giving them their distinctive name. The coloration is usually brown or reddish-brown.

Food

Life Cycle: The life cycle of the Sawtoothed Grain Beetle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Female beetles lay eggs on or near stored products, and the emerging larvae feed on the products, creating tunnels. The pupal stage occurs within the infested materials, and adult beetles emerge to continue the life cycle.
Reproduction: Sawtoothed 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.

Sawtoothed Grain Beetles are commonly found in stored products, especially in facilities where dried plant materials are stored. They infest a variety of products, including grains, flour, cereals, pasta, and even some processed foods containing grains.

Description

The primary food source for Sawtoothed Grain Beetles is dried plant materials, especially grains. They are known to infest a wide range of stored products, causing damage by consuming the products and creating tunnels. Sawtoothed Grain Beetles can infest pantry items, grains, flour, cereals, pasta, and other products.