Lasioderma
Lasioderma
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
- Family: Ptinidae
- Subfamily: Xyletininae
- Tribe: Lasiodermini
- Genus: Lasioderma
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lasioderma: /ˌlæsiəˈdɜːrmə/
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Images
Summary
Lasioderma serricorne, commonly known as the cigarette beetle, is a small but significant pest in the tobacco and food industries due to its wide-ranging diet and ability to infest stored products. Its complete life cycle includes an egg, larval, pupal, and adult stage, and it is influenced by temperature and food sources in terms of reproduction and survival.
Physical Characteristics
The cigarette beetle measures between 2 and 3 mm in length and is characterized by its brown coloration. It has uniformly serrated antennae composed of 11 segments and a body that is elongated oval and slightly convex. The adults are capable of flight and exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum) by its flatter thorax and from the drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum) by its serrated antennae that has 11 segments compared to the three-segmented antennae of S. paniceum.
Habitat
Primarily inhabits areas where dried goods, especially tobacco, are stored. Thrives in tropical regions due to temperature preferences for larvae.
Distribution
Geographically distributed in pan-tropical regions and throughout the world via the dried goods trade, particularly tobacco products. Found in various climates, with high success rates in tropical zones.
Diet
Feeds on stored commodities including dried tobacco leaves, spices, cereals, seeds, and dried fruits. Exhibits varied fecundity and survival rates depending on the food source.
Life Cycle
L. serricorne undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females can lay up to 100 eggs directly on suitable food substrates. Eggs hatch within 6–8 days under optimal conditions. Larvae undergo up to four molts before pupation, and adults typically live for 2–7 weeks.
Reproduction
Reproduction typically occurs 2–3 days after emergence, with females laying eggs directly onto food sources; a female can lay between 10 and 100 eggs depending on environmental conditions.
Predators
Natural enemies include parasitic wasps such as Anisopteromalus calandrae and Lariophagus distinguendus, as well as predatory mites like Moniezella augusta.
Ecosystem Role
Functions primarily as a pest species, infesting stored goods but also supporting ecological niches by enabling decomposition and nutrient cycling in stored products.
Economic Impact
Considered a significant pest in the tobacco industry, leading to economic losses through damaged goods, reduced market value, and consumer hesitance regarding infested products.
Health Concerns
Associated with rare cases of canthariasis in humans, which can occur through consumption of infested food materials.
Collecting Methods
- Pheromone traps for monitoring population levels.
- Manual collection from infested products.
Preservation Methods
- Freezing infested materials to kill larvae and adults.
- Fumigation using phosphine or other insecticides.
Misconceptions
Despite its name, the cigarette beetle infests a wide variety of food products beyond tobacco.
Tags
- Beetles
- Pests
- Coleoptera
- Tobacco beetle
- Stored product pest