Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)
Origin and Habitat: (H3)
The Red Flour Beetle is a common stored product pest with a global distribution. Originating from South Asia, it infests stored grains, flour, cereals, and various food products, adapting well to human environments.
Reproduction and Breeding: (H3)
Red Flour Beetles undergo a complete metamorphosis, consisting of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in stored products, and the larvae feed on the products, causing damage.
Feeding Habits: (H3)
As a stored product pest, Red Flour Beetle larvae primarily feed on flour, grains, cereals, and other processed food items. Their feeding activities can lead to contamination and a decrease in the quality of stored goods.
Hiding and Living in Stored Products: (H3)
Red Flour Beetle larvae infest stored products, creating tunnels and feeding on the products from the inside. They are well-adapted to survive in the tightly packed conditions of storage facilities.
Damages to Stored Products: (H3)
Infestations of Red Flour Beetles can result in the degradation of stored grains and flour. The larvae consume the internal contents of the products, leading to a reduction in quality.
Control Recommendations: (H3)
Product Inspection: Regularly inspect stored products for signs of infestation, including the presence of live beetles, larvae, or damaged packaging.
Storage Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness in storage areas, promptly remove spilled grains, and seal any cracks or gaps in storage containers to minimize infestation risks.
Temperature and Humidity Control: Implement control measures for temperature and humidity in storage spaces, as Red Flour Beetles thrive in warm and humid conditions.