PEST NAME :  FLAT GRAIN BEETLE (Cryptolestes ferrugineus)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : 1.5 to 2.5mm. Reddish brown, flat and slender.  Yellowish larvae 3 to 4mm long. Un-clubbed antennae.

BIOLOGY :  100 to 400 eggs laid loosely in crevices in food. Complete life cycle 5 to 12 weeks. Can withstand high and low temperatures. Prefers RH at 75%. Will fly at 25oc.

PREFERRED FOODS :  All types of grain and grain products, rice, dried fruits, groundnuts, herbs and oilseed cake.

HABITAT : Flour mills, warehouses if heated, grain stores, introduced in raw materials.