for J A N U A R Y Grain Beetles (Saw toothed and Merchant) PROPER NAME: Order Coleoptera, Family Cucujidae, Genus Oryzaephilus. WHEN MOST PREVALENT: Indoors all year round. SIZE RANGE: 1/10 inch (=3 mm) in length. [View magnified Insect] WARNINGS: These insects are harmless. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Cosmopolitan SOUNDS: None. Adult grain beetles lay eggs in stored foods such as cereals, grains, dried fruits, and spices. Tiny wormlike larvae hatch from these eggs and feed on the stored products. When they are ready to pupate, the larvae travel to cracks, crevices, and other protected places. Adults emerge from these pupae, mate, crawl into stored foods, and begin the cycle again. The entire life cycle takes 4-6 weeks, depending on temperature. Infestations of grain beetles are usually brought into the home through already infested store-bought materials. Buying bulk dried goods increases the chances of a home infestation. It is a good idea to get into the habit of transferring any dried products purchased into glass or tupperware containers as soon as they are brought into the home, since these beetles can chew through wax paper, thin plastic, cardboard, and foil. Check these containers regularily and, if an infestation is noticed, discard the contents immediately. But don't worry if you don't notice an infestation in your rice until after you've eaten a bit of it with your Thai dinner... these insects are an excellent source of protein and are low in saturated fats! FAMILY RELATIONS a) Family: Family Tenebrionidae - mealworms. b) Close cousins: Family Curculionidae - weevils. [TO TOP] [BUG of the MONTH TABLE] [HOME]