Common Name:
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
Scientific Name:
Oryzaelphilus surinamensis
Description:
Sometimes called a grain beetle, adults are about 1/8″ (2.5 – 3 mm) long, with flattened body. Brown in color with 6 saw-like teeth on each side of the thorax thus the nickname sawtooth beetle. Wings well developed but not observed in flight. Mature larva are yellowish white and less than 1/8″ (3mm) long.
Places Most Commonly Found:
The saw tooth grain beetle voraciously attacks grains that are cracked or damaged. Cannot attack sound kernels. Its flat body permits access through very small cracks and crevices and into imperfectly sealed packages. Adults are not known to fly and are not attracted to light. Infestations occur in a wide variety of foodstuffs which include cereals, bread, breakfast foods, pasta, dried fruits, nuts, sugar, chocolate, dried meats, candy bars, tobacco, and dry pet food.
Most Active Period:
Saw toothed Grain Beetles occurs all year, but optimal development conditions are 86 to 95 degrees F (30 to 35 degrees C) and 70%+ relative humidity. There may be as many as 6-7 generations per year but the number is highly dependent on temperature.
Difficulty of Control:
Sawtoothed grain beetles are easy to control if food source is eliminated and proper sanitation protocols are used.
