Grain-beetle
Guides
Ahasverus
Ahasverus is a genus of beetles in the family Silvanidae. The genus is best known for Ahasverus advena (foreign grain beetle), a cosmopolitan stored product pest found in 110 countries. Ahasverus species are primarily fungal feeders, with larvae capable of developing on fungi alone. The genus includes at least two other species found in stored products, though A. advena dominates ecological and economic literature.
Cryptolestes cornutus
Cryptolestes cornutus is a species of flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae. The genus Cryptolestes comprises small, elongate beetles commonly found under bark and in stored products. Many species in this genus are recognized as pests of stored grain and cereal products. The specific epithet 'cornutus' refers to horn-like structures, though detailed morphological descriptions for this particular species are limited in available literature.
Cryptolestes ferrugineus
rusty grain beetle, rust-red grain beetle
Cryptolestes ferrugineus, the rusty grain beetle, is a small lined flat bark beetle and major cosmopolitan pest of stored grain products. Native to Europe, it has achieved worldwide distribution through human commerce, infesting stored cereals, grain products, and dry plant materials. The species is characterized by rapid population growth, strong flight capability for dispersal between storage facilities, and cryptic behavior hiding in cracks and crevices. Its economic impact stems from direct feeding damage to grain germ and endosperm, contamination of products, and resistance to some insecticides.
Cryptolestes pusillus
Flat Grain Beetle, Red Flat Grain Beetle
Cryptolestes pusillus, commonly known as the flat grain beetle or red flat grain beetle, is a species of lined flat bark beetle in the family Laemophloeidae. Native to Europe, it has become a cosmopolitan pest of stored grain products. The species is frequently studied as a model organism for stored product pest management and biological control research, serving as prey for predatory bugs and host for parasitoid wasps.
Oryzaephilus
sawtoothed grain beetles, merchant grain beetles
Oryzaephilus is a genus of small, flattened beetles in the family Silvanidae, comprising 16 described species. The genus includes two major stored product pests: O. surinamensis (sawtoothed grain beetle) and O. mercator (merchant grain beetle), which are nearly identical in appearance and frequently confused. Most species in the genus are associated with stored grain products, though some inhabit natural environments under bark and leaf litter. The genus is characterized by distinctive saw-like projections on the pronotum and complete metamorphosis with rapid development under favorable conditions.
Oryzaephilus mercator
Merchant Grain Beetle
A small, flattened beetle approximately 2.5–3 mm in length. A cosmopolitan pest of stored food products, particularly processed cereals and oilseeds with high oil content. Distinguished from the nearly identical Oryzaephilus surinamensis by its larger eyes and narrower head behind the eyes. Unlike O. surinamensis, adults are capable of flight.