Oryzaephilus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Cucujoidea
Family: Silvanidae
Subfamily: Silvaninae
Genus: Oryzaephilus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oryzaephilus: //ɒˌɹaɪzəˈfɪləs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Oryzaephilus.surinamensis.-.calwer.15.18 by Emil Hochdanz
. Used under a Public domain license.

Oryzaephilus surinamensis-AndyBrookes by Andybrookestar at English Wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

CSIRO ScienceImage 2599 Sawtoothed Grain Beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis by division, CSIRO. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Oryzaephilus.surinamensis by Sarefo. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Oryzaephilus surinamensis by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

COLE Silvanidae Oryzaephilus surinamensis by Desmond W. Helmore
. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Oryzaephilus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae, known as grain pests, including species such as the Merchant Grain Beetle and Saw-toothed Grain Beetle. They are commonly found in stored grains and processed foods, causing damage and economic loss.

Physical Characteristics

Adult: brown, elongate, with striated elytra; pronotum with several teeth on lateral margins, a medial ridge, and a dorsolateral ridge on each side of midline. Size: 2.5-3.7 mm.

Identification Tips

Look for brown, elongate beetles with striated wing coverings and specific pronotum features such as lateral teeth and ridges.

Habitat

In containers or buildings where grain is stored.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; 2 species adventive in the area, 15 species worldwide, with nine in the Afrotropical region and four originating from Asia (Middle East, India).

Diet

Larvae and adults feed on damaged kernels of stored grains such as barley, oats, rice, sunflower seeds, wheat, flour, pasta, breakfast cereals, cake mixes, and various other processed foods.

Life Cycle

Information on the detailed life cycle is not provided.

Reproduction

Information on reproduction is not provided.

Predators

Information on specific predators is not provided.

Conservation Status

Not assessed due to common pest status.

Ecosystem Role

As pests, they play a role in the decomposition of stored grains but also significantly impact human food supplies.

Economic Impact

Considered pests of stored grains, leading to economic losses in grain storage and food processing industries.

Cultural Significance

Considered major agricultural pests, impacting food storage and quality.

Health Concerns

While not direct health threats, they may infest food supplies, leading to food contamination.

Evolution

The genus includes 16 species, indicating a diverse evolutionary background, with both adventive and cosmopolitan distributions.

Similar Taxa

Silvanidae

Misconceptions

They are often mistaken for other similar beetles in stored grains.