Grain-storage
Guides
Cephalonomia waterstoni
parasitic grain wasp, rusty grain beetlewasp
Cephalonomia waterstoni is a small parasitoid wasp in the family Bethylidae that attacks larvae and pupae of stored-product beetles, particularly the rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus, formerly Laemophloeus ferrugineus). It is an ectoparasitoid that paralyzes host larvae before laying eggs on them. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in grain storage facilities. Development is rapid, with the life cycle completing in approximately two weeks at 30°C and three weeks at 25°C.
Litargus balteatus
stored grain fungus beetle
Litargus balteatus, commonly known as the stored grain fungus beetle, is a small beetle in the family Mycetophagidae (hairy fungus beetles). It has been documented across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Oceania, and temperate Asia. As its common name suggests, it is associated with stored grain environments where fungal growth occurs. The species is part of a group of beetles specialized in feeding on fungi, particularly in stored products and related habitats.
Lyctocoris campestris
Debris bug
Lyctocoris campestris is a predatory true bug in the family Lyctocoridae, commonly known as the debris bug. It occurs in stored grain environments and natural habitats across multiple continents. The species is a generalist predator with documented importance in biological control of stored product pests.
Sitotroga cerealella
Angoumois grain moth
Sitotroga cerealella, the Angoumois grain moth, is a gelechiid moth and the type species of its genus. It is a significant pest of stored cereal grains, particularly wheat and corn. The species serves as a factitious host for mass rearing of the parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis in biological control programs. Laboratory studies indicate sensitivity to gamma irradiation and thermal stress, with dose-dependent effects on egg viability and adult longevity.
Theocolax
Theocolax is a genus of small parasitic wasps in the family Cerocephalidae. The genus includes multiple species, with T. elegans being the most extensively studied. Members are ectoparasitoids of stored product insect pests, particularly beetles and moths that develop inside cereal and leguminous grains. They are cosmopolitan in distribution and have been investigated for biological control applications in grain storage facilities.
Xylocoris flavipes
Warehouse Pirate Bug
Xylocoris flavipes, commonly known as the warehouse pirate bug, is a predatory anthocorid bug widely distributed across Africa, Australia, Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China), North America, South America, and Southern Asia. It is a specialized predator of stored-product insect pests and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent in grain storage systems. The species exhibits traumatic insemination, where males pierce the female abdomen during copulation. Both nymphs and adults are predatory, with documented cannibalistic behavior under laboratory conditions.