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Home > Foreign grain beetle

Photo By Piia Partanen , used under CC-BY-NC /Cropped and compressed from original

Foreign grain beetle

Ahasverus advena

A species of Ahasverus, Also known as Plaster beetle

The larvae of the foreign grain beetle need high humidity levels to properly develop. Foreign grain beetles feed on fungi and decaying organic matter and will usually be found in and around rotting food. Because of this, they are a good indicator for storage conditions regarding humidity.

General Info About Foreign grain beetle

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Attributes of Foreign grain beetle

Colors

Brown

Red

Habitat

grain storage; other moist location

Adult Food Sources

Dried grains, flour products, muesli, dried fruits, nuts

Larva Food Source

Grain debris, mold, fungi, damp organic materials, decaying vegetable matter

Biting/stinging

Not reported

Allergy-causing

Not reported

Defensive attack

Not reported

Pest-Eating Predatory

Not reported

Phytophagous

The Foreign grain beetle feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.

Predatory

Not reported

Biting animal or pet

Not reported

Mouthparts Type

Chewing mouthparts

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Life Cycle of Foreign grain beetle

Egg During the egg stage, the foreign grain beetle is encapsulated in a protective covering. The egg is usually small, inconspicuous, and adhered to a surface near a food source, remaining immobile and vulnerable to predation.

Larva As larvae, the foreign grain beetle voraciously feed to fuel rapid growth. This stage features molting, where the foreign grain beetle sheds its exoskeleton several times. Larvae look worm-like and lack developed wings or reproductive structures.

Pupal In the pupal form, the foreign grain beetle undergoes transformation inside a cocoon-like structure. It is a period of rest often hidden from predators. The foreign grain beetle reorganizes its body, transitioning toward the adult form.

Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult foreign grain beetle’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.

Adult Size of Foreign grain beetle

2 mm

Predators of Foreign grain beetle Larvae

Insectivorous birds, ants, spiders, beetles

Predators of Adult Foreign grain beetle

Rodents, lizards, birds, larger beetles, spiders

Interesting Facts About Foreign grain beetle

The foreign grain beetle can float for days, its waterproof exoskeleton keeping it buoyant to traverse aquatic environments.

Scientific Classification of Foreign grain beetle

Phylum

Arthropods

Class

Bugs

Order

Beetles

Family

Silvan flat bark beetles

Genus

Ahasverus

Tips for Finding Foreign grain beetle

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How Can You Attract Foreign grain beetle

Foreign grain beetle are attracted to various foodstuffs, especially grains, so using bait like cereal or flour can be effective in traps.

Habitat Preferences of Foreign grain beetle Through Different Life Stages

The larvae of foreign grain beetle typically inhabit dark, concealed areas within stored grains or foodstuff, where they have direct access to their food source. As they develop, these larvae favor remaining hidden, consuming and growing within the safety of these provisions. To find these larvae, one would search through stored food containers, such as grain bins, silos, or pantries, particularly within spilled or accumulated product. Adults of foreign grain beetle, however, disperse more widely, and while they might also be found within stored foods, they tend to explore and can be encountered around crevices or in the general vicinity of such storage locations. Searching for adults would involve inspecting areas in and around potential food storage places, including cracks, packaging materials, or shelves where food particles may accumulate.

When is the Best Time to Observe Foreign grain beetle

The most suitable time to find foreign grain beetle is at night since they are nocturnal and more active during this time.

What is the Best Weather to Observe Foreign grain beetle

Foreign grain beetle prefer warm and humid environments; therefore, searching after periods of rain or during humid conditions may increase the chances of locating them.

How and Where Can You Find Foreign grain beetle at Different Life Stages

Larva Foreign grain beetle larvae can commonly be found in dark, undisturbed areas with an abundant food source such as stored grains or cereal products. Inspect such areas thoroughly.

Adult Foreign grain beetle adults might be located in kitchen cabinets, pantries, or anywhere with access to food. Look for them in cracks and crevices, or set traps with food bait at night.

Are Foreign grain beetle harmful?

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Foreign grain beetle feeds on the fungus. Therefore, foreign grain beetle scrambles for items indoors that are moist and molded and they frequently appear in humans' houses.

Are Foreign grain beetle harmful to humans?

Frequent activities in indoor spaces. Foreign grain beetle is a fungivorous insect that loves feeding on moldy grains, seeds, dried fruits, and spices. Foreign grain beetle means no harm to humans, nor would it bore through furniture or food.

Where do Foreign grain beetle come from?

High humidity. Foreign grain beetle requires a certain humidity for their living spaces and likes to live somewhere with the relative humidity above 70%.

Improper means of storage. When food is exposed in a highly-humid environment, it dampens and emits a smell that's highly attractive to foreign grain beetle.

Entering through tiny cracks and seams. Foreign grain beetle is very small. It can enter indoor spaces through various cracks, seams, and unsealed doors and windows.

What is the most effective prevention against Foreign grain beetle?

Lower indoor humidity. Foreign grain beetles requires high environmental humidity to live. Mould won't develop under ultra-dry conditions and they can't survive due to lack of food sources.

Storage in a better way. Improper storage methods could mildew solid foods, which then emit a moldy smell that's highly attractive to pests.

Harmful Effects of Foreign grain beetle

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Stored Produce Pest

Foreign grain beetle causes damage primarily in its adult stage. It targets stored products such as dried grains, seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. The severity of damage can range from mild to severe. The pest's feeding activities not only reduce the quality of the stored items by direct consumption but also by contamination with feces and cast skins. This leads to economic losses and potential health risks for consumers. Its behavior facilitates the rapid spread within storage facilities, exacerbating its impact.

Hurt Plant

Foreign grain beetle adults and larvae feed on seeds and fruits, causing mild to severe damage by chewing plant tissues. The host plants show loss of vigor, reduced yield or quality, and if unchecked, can lead to significant economic loss.

More Effects of Foreign grain beetle