Stored-product
Guides
Amblycerus
pea and bean weevils, seed beetles
Amblycerus is the second most diverse genus of seed beetles in the Americas, containing over 60 described species. These bruchid beetles are specialized seed predators, with larvae developing inside seeds of various host plants. The genus exhibits complex evolutionary patterns of host plant association, having radiated from an ancestral association with Fabaceae into at least 12 other plant families including Sterculiaceae, Boraginaceae, and Humiriaceae. Species-level identification requires examination of male genitalia and pygidial morphology.
Carpophilus hemipterus
dried-fruit beetle
Carpophilus hemipterus is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae known as the dried-fruit beetle. It is a cosmopolitan pest of ripening and dried fruits, with documented infestations on dates, litchi, mango, guava, papaya, and stone fruits. The species exhibits strong aggregation behavior mediated by pheromones and shows phototactic flight responses that transition readily to vegetative orientation upon encountering food odors. It completes multiple generations per season in warm climates, with population peaks correlating with temperature and humidity optima. Both adults and larvae cause direct damage to fruits and can vector microorganisms associated with fermentation and aflatoxin production.
Cathartus quadricollis
square-necked warrior beetle
A small predatory flat bark beetle in the family Silvanidae with a broad global distribution spanning the Americas, Africa, and the Galápagos Islands. In Hawaii, it serves as an important natural enemy of agricultural scolytine pests including the coffee berry borer, tropical nut borer, and black twig borer. Laboratory studies confirm it can complete development on various stored grains and seeds. The species shows potential for augmentative biological control programs due to its limited dispersal from release sites and established predation rates on pest eggs.
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.
Heterobostrychus
horned powder post beetles
A genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Bostrichidae, comprising six described species. Members are known for infesting timber, processed wood products, and certain crop plants. The genus has significant economic importance due to damage caused to lumber, furniture, and agricultural commodities. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges through international trade in wood products.
Hofmannophila pseudospretella
Brown House Moth, Samenmotte (German)
A cosmopolitan pest moth of stored products and dwellings. Larvae feed on keratinous materials including wool, fur, and feathers, as well as dried plant matter. Adults are nocturnal and exhibit complex sexual behavior involving pheromone-mediated mate location. The species is the sole member of its genus, though its distinctness from related genera remains under study.
Lyctus
powderpost beetles, lyctid beetles
Lyctus is a genus of powderpost beetles in the family Bostrichidae. These beetles are wood-boring pests with a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica. The genus includes economically significant species that infest hardwood products.
Oinophila
Oinophila is a small genus of fungus moths in the family Tineidae, subfamily Hieroxestinae. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning "wine-lover," reflecting the association of its best-known species with wine cellars. The genus contains four nominal species, though two are provisionally placed and may not belong to this genus or even to Hieroxestinae. The most notable species, Oinophila v-flava, is commonly known as the wine moth.
Prostephanus arizonicus
horned powder-post beetle
Prostephanus arizonicus is a species of horned powder-post beetle in the family Bostrichidae, described by Fisher in 1950. It belongs to a genus that includes economically significant stored-product pests, most notably the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus). The species is documented from North America, with the specific epithet suggesting an association with Arizona. Like other members of the genus, it likely exhibits wood-boring habits typical of Bostrichidae, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Sternochetus
Sternochetus is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Cryptorhynchinae. The genus contains at least three described species, including Sternochetus mangiferae (mango seed weevil), Sternochetus frigidus (mango pulp weevil), and Sternochetus olivieri. These species are economically significant pests of mango (Mangifera indica) and related species. Adults are compact weevils with a characteristic habit of pressing their legs to their body and fitting their beak into a ventral groove when disturbed. The genus was established by Pierce in 1917, with some species previously described under Curculio.
Sternochetus mangiferae
mango seed weevil, mango stone weevil, mango weevil
A compact weevil in the subfamily Cryptorhynchinae, Sternochetus mangiferae is a significant pest of mango (Mangifera indica). Adults measure 7.5–9.5 mm in length and 4 mm in width. The species completes its entire immature development inside mango seeds, with larvae and pupae developing within the fruit. Adults are weak fliers and typically remain near fallen fruit; new infestations spread primarily through human transport of infested fruit.
Symmetrischema tangolias
South American potato tuber moth, Andean potato tuber moth, tomato stemborer
Symmetrischema tangolias is a gelechiid moth native to the Andean region of South America that has become a globally significant agricultural pest. The species infests solanaceous crops, particularly potatoes and tomatoes, with larvae burrowing into stems, leaves, petioles, and tubers. It has established invasive populations in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Chile. The species is adapted to cooler temperatures than the related potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella, with optimal development occurring between 14–17°C.
Tinea pellionella
case-bearing clothes moth, casemaking clothes moth, fur moth
Tinea pellionella is a small tineid moth commonly known as the case-bearing or casemaking clothes moth. It is a cosmopolitan pest of stored woollen goods and natural keratinous materials. The species is distinguished by larval behavior: caterpillars construct portable silken cases reinforced with debris and food fibers, which they carry while feeding. Adults are weak fliers with reduced mouthparts and do not feed. The species has become less common in modern centrally heated homes due to drier conditions.