PEST NAME : MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE (Oryzaephilus mercator)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR :  2.5 to 3.5mm. Medium brown, almost identical to Saw Toothed Grain Beetle,

BIOLOGY :  170 eggs approximately. Larvae 6 to 10 weeks. Larvae moult 4 times.  Complete life cycle 20 days at 35oc.  Usual span is three months. Breeding temperature minimum 17oc.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Dried fruit, nuts and processed foods, chocolate.

HABITAT : Widespread often confused with Saw Toothed Grain Beetle, found in chocolate factories, fruit processors, bakery warehousing.