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Drugstore beetle

Drugstore beetle

Stegobium paniceum

A species of Stegobium, Also known as Biscuit beetle

The drugstore beetle is frequently observed where dried plant material is being stored. The larvae are the most damaging to these food sources, and females can lay up to 75 eggs at a time. Its common name comes from its preference for dried herbs used for medicinal purposes, although it is also known to live off of bread crumbs, hair, paper, and more.

General Info About Drugstore beetle
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Attributes of Drugstore beetle
Colors
Brown
Habitat
food resource; museum/herbarium specimen
Adult Food Sources
Grains, nuts, seeds, herbarium specimens, dried vegetable material
Larva Food Source
Dried herbs, spices, flour, cereal products, dried plant material
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Drugstore 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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Species Status of Drugstore beetle
It has a worldwide distribution though it is more common in warmer climates.
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Distribution Area of Drugstore beetle
Worldwide
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Appearance of Drugstore beetle
The drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum), also known as the bread beetle or biscuit beetle, is a tiny, brown beetle. It is similar in appearance to the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), but is slightly larger (adults can be up to 3.5 mm in length). Additionally, drugstore beetle have antennae ending in 3-segmented clubs, while cigarette beetles have serrated antennae (notched like teeth of a saw). The drugstore beetle also has grooves running longitudinally along the elytra, whereas the cigarette beetle is smooth. The drugstore beetle's larvae are small, white grubs, that can be distinguished from the grubs of the cigarette beetle by their shorter hair.
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How to Identify Drugstore beetle?

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Life Cycle of Drugstore beetle
Egg At this initial stage, the egg of the drugstore beetle is laid in a secure environment, often within food sources. It’s small, oval, and typically yellowish-white, barely visible to the naked eye.
Larva After hatching, the larva is a cream-colored, worm-like creature. It moults several times, growing larger with each stage. The larva feeds voraciously, often causing damage to food or wood structures.
Pupal Transitioning into the pupal stage, the drugstore beetle encases itself in a cocoon. It is immobile and may change in color from creamy to brown. This is a resting phase as the drugstore beetle develops into an adult.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult drugstore beetle features hardened wings and functional reproductive organs. Its body is dark brown and fully formed. During this stage, the adult drugstore beetle is focused on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Drugstore beetle
3.5 mm
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Predators of Drugstore beetle Larvae
Rodents, lizards, beetle predators such as carabidae and staphylinidae, predatory bugs, parasitoid wasps, ants
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Scientific Classification of Drugstore beetle
Tips for Finding Drugstore beetle
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Youth Habitat of Drugstore beetle
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Drugstore beetle
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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How Can You Attract Drugstore beetle
Grains, flour, or dry pet food.
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Habitat Preferences of Drugstore beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of drugstore beetle are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas where they can feed on their preferred food sources like spices, grains, or dried plant material. Look for them in pantries, cupboards, or storerooms. Adults are less discrete but might still be found near food sources or on nearby walls and surfaces. To search for them, inspect these areas regularly, focusing on signs of damage or the presence of fine powdery frass. While checking, use a flashlight and gentle probing techniques to uncover hidden larvae, and observe adult drugstore beetle during their active phases, which are often influenced by temperature and humidity.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Drugstore beetle
Early morning or late evening when drugstore beetle is less active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Drugstore beetle
Dry and warm environments, as drugstore beetle prefers conditions found in pantries and storage areas.
Are Drugstore beetle harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Drugstore beetle
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Stored Produce Pest

Drugstore beetle infestations start from larvae hatching from eggs laid on suitable materials. The larvae bore into organic material, causing internal damage that can go unnoticed. Adults continue the damage by feeding and possibly laying more eggs. This repeat cycle exacerbates losses, lowers product quality and can make food unfit for consumption. Control measures are necessary to prevent significant economic losses and maintain storage hygiene.

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Hurt Plant

Infestation of drugstore beetle in both larval and adult stages can lead to mild to severe damage as they bore into and chew plant tissues indiscriminately, impacting seeds, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. This can result in decreased vigor, reduced reproductive capability, and potential plant death.

More Effects of Drugstore beetle

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