PEST NAME : SAW-TOOTHED GRAIN BEETLE (Orzyzaephilus surinamensis L)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR : 2.5 to 3.5mm.  Dark rusty brown, long narrow flattened, 6 teeth on edges of prothorax, 3 ridges on centre of prothorax, antennae with club ends.

BIOLOGY :  150 eggs laid loose in foodstuffs.  Hatch 7 to 10 days. Larvae for 4 to 6 weeks.  Pupate for one week.  Life cycle can be 9 weeks.  The lowest temperature level for breeding is 18oc.  The beetle can live up to 3 years.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Grain products, seeds, nuts, processed foods, dried soups, dried fruit and sugar.

HABITAT : Warehouses, silos, mills, food processing factories and in stored grain.  The principle grain pest in the UK.