Post-harvest-pest
Guides
Acanthoscelides obtectus
Bean Weevil, Bean Bruchid, Dry Bean Weevil
Acanthoscelides obtectus is a small bruchid beetle and major pest of stored legume seeds, particularly common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Native to mountainous regions of northern South America, it has spread globally through grain shipments and now occurs on every continent except Antarctica. The species is notable for its ability to infest seeds both in the field and in storage, with larvae developing entirely within seeds while adults feed on pollen. Its economic impact stems from reduced seed quality, germination failure, and contamination of legume products.
Carpophilus dimidiatus
cornsap beetle, corn sap beetle
Carpophilus dimidiatus, commonly known as the cornsap beetle or corn sap beetle, is a species of sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae. It is a stored product pest with documented associations with walnuts and wheat bran. The species has been recorded in Oceania, Europe, North America, and parts of South America including Northwestern Argentina. Laboratory studies have characterized its temperature- and humidity-dependent development and oviposition patterns.
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.
Dinoderus minutus
bamboo borer, bamboo powderpost beetle
Dinoderus minutus is a small wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, commonly known as the bamboo borer or bamboo powderpost beetle. Native to Asia, it has become a globally distributed pest of bamboo products through international trade. The species is attracted to the internal starch content of bamboo and is considered one of the most damaging pests of the bamboo industry, capable of causing significant economic losses in storage and finished products. It has established populations across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Oceania.
Fiorinia externa
elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa, the elongate hemlock scale, is an invasive armored scale insect native to Japan and southern China. Accidentally introduced to North America around 1908, it has become established throughout the northeastern United States and threatens hemlock (Tsuga) and related conifers. The species is a pupillarial scale, with adult females remaining within their second-instar exuviae. Heavy infestations cause yellowing, premature needle drop, branch dieback, and occasional tree death. It poses particular economic concern for Fraser fir Christmas tree production in the southeastern United States, where it can persist on harvested trees for up to 13 weeks post-harvest.
Liposcelis decolor
booklouse
Liposcelis decolor is a minute stored-product pest psocid (booklouse) of significant economic importance worldwide. It infests stored grains and grain products, causing direct damage through consumption of endosperm and germ, and indirect damage by distributing molds and transmitting disease pathogens. The species exhibits high tolerance to phosphine fumigant, making chemical control difficult, and recovers rapidly from poorly conducted fumigations. It has been extensively studied as prey for biological control agents including the warehouse pirate bug Xylocoris flavipes and predatory mites Cheyletus eruditus and C. malaccensis.
Typhaea stercorea
Hairy Fungus Beetle
Typhaea stercorea, commonly known as the hairy fungus beetle, is a cosmopolitan beetle in the family Mycetophagidae. Adults measure 2.2–3.0 mm in length and are distinguished by their oval, brown, flattened bodies with hairy elytra bearing parallel lines of fine hairs. The species is a generalist feeder on fungi, particularly molds growing on damp or deteriorating organic matter. It serves as a significant pest of stored grain products, where its presence indicates poor storage conditions, and has been documented in grain storages dating to the Iron Age. The beetle has gained additional attention as a vector of human pathogens, including documented carriage of Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter species.