Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Cucujoidea
- Family: Silvanidae
- Subfamily: Silvaninae
- Genus: Oryzaephilus
- Species: surinamensis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oryzaephilus surinamensis: /ɔːˌraɪzəˈfɪləs ˌsʊrɪnəˈmɛnsɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Oryzaephilus surinamensis, the sawtoothed grain beetle, is a common pest in stored grain and grain products. It can cause significant damage to food supplies but poses little risk to humans. Adult beetles cannot fly, and their life cycle can culminate in rapid population growth under ideal conditions.
Physical Characteristics
O. surinamensis is a slender, dark brown beetle measuring 2.4–3 mm in size, characterized by 'teeth' running down the sides of the prothorax. It has smaller eyes and a broader, more triangular head than O. mercator, its closest relative. Adults are unable to fly.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from Oryzaephilus mercator by the broad, blunt projection behind the eyes, smaller eyes, and a more triangular head.
Habitat
Primarily found in grain storage facilities, flour mills, granaries, and also capable of surviving outdoors in temperate climates.
Distribution
Worldwide, especially prevalent in food manufacturing, storage, and retail environments. Less common in colder climates but can be found in Canadian farms.
Diet
Feeds on damaged grain, grain kernels, and products such as chocolate and tobacco. Does not attack unbroken grain but enters through small lesions.
Life Cycle
Life cycle takes approximately 27–51 days at ideal temperatures, involving egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages; up to 7 generations per year.
Reproduction
Females can produce 43-285 eggs deposited on food materials. Eggs hatch in 3-5 days under optimal conditions.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a significant role as a pest in stored grains, impacting grain quality and storage conditions.
Economic Impact
Infestations can lead to a decrease in grain value and can result in rejection by purchasers due to insect contamination.
Cultural Significance
Referenced in literature, notably in the poem 'This Is The House That Jack Built' referring to malt.
Health Concerns
Though bites have been reported, they are not harmful to humans.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Manual collection
Preservation Methods
- Sealing food in containers
- Freezing infested products for six days
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Despite being found in homes, its presence typically causes little concern as it does not typically infest unbroken grain.
Tags
- Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
- Stored Product Pest
- Oryzaephilus surinamensis
- Grain Weevil