PEST NAME :  GRAIN WEEVIL (Sitophilus granaries L)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR :  3 to 4mm. Red-brown, slightly curved proboscis, elbowed antennae. Oval punctures on thorax.  Longitudinally grooved wing covers, cannot fly.

BIOLOGY :  Eggs deposited singly in a small hole made in grain, which is then plugged.  350 eggs laid over 9 months. Eggs hatch in 8 to 11 days. Larvae feeds on endosperm.

Life cycle 8 to 16 weeks depending on RH.  75% is favoured and the larvae moults 4 times. After pupation the adult hatches 1 to 3 weeks later and bores its way out of the grain. Lives for approximately 9 months.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Wheat, rye, maize, barley, millet and rice.

HABITAT :  Important grain storage pest.  Found in flour mills, health food manufacturers, brewing industries.