Stored-product-pest
Guides
Acanthoscelides
bean weevils
Acanthoscelides is a genus of bean weevils in the subfamily Bruchinae, native to the New World with highest diversity in Mexico. The genus contains approximately 300–340 described species with over 200 additional undescribed species. Historically functioning as a wastebasket taxon, species were transferred into this genus from other genera (primarily Bruchus) in 1946. Beetles in this genus are small seed predators that develop within legume seeds, with some species achieving worldwide pest status while others serve as biological control agents.
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.
Achroia grisella
Lesser Wax Moth
Achroia grisella, the lesser wax moth, is a pyralid moth and pest of honey bee colonies worldwide. It is smaller and less destructive than the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella), primarily infesting weak or abandoned honey bee colonies where larvae feed on beeswax, pollen, honey, and brood cappings. The species has a worldwide distribution in temperate and tropical regions where honey bees are kept, and its spread has been facilitated by human-mediated transport of beekeeping equipment. Adults are small grayish moths with distinctive yellow heads. The species is notable for its unusually simple directional ear, which enables acoustic localization for both predator avoidance and mate finding.
Aglossa caprealis
Stored grain moth
Aglossa caprealis, commonly known as the stored grain moth, is a pyralid moth of presumably western Palearctic origin that has achieved global distribution through human commerce. Adults are small moths with a wingspan of 23–27 mm, flying during summer months. The species is notable for its remarkably broad larval diet, which extends beyond typical stored products to include decaying organic matter and fatty animal materials.
Aglossa cuprina
grease moth
Aglossa cuprina, commonly known as the grease moth, is a pyralid moth described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1872. It is a widespread stored product pest whose larvae feed on dried grain products, while adults consume grease, suet, and butter. The species has gained attention in forensic entomology due to observations of adults feeding on human remains. Its life cycle is temperature-dependent, potentially spanning one to two years.
Aglossa pinguinalis
Large Tabby, Grease Moth
Aglossa pinguinalis is a pyralid moth commonly known as the large tabby or grease moth. The species exhibits a rare feeding strategy among Lepidoptera: coprophagy, with larvae consuming animal feces. Larval development spans approximately two years, and the species shows strong habitat affinity for caves and sheltered environments. It is native to the Palearctic region but has been introduced to North America and New Zealand.
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.
Alphitobius diaperinus
lesser mealworm, litter beetle, buffalo worm
Alphitobius diaperinus is a darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) with cosmopolitan distribution. It evolved as a scavenger in bird nests and bat caves but has become a major pest in poultry production facilities and stored grain products. The species is a significant vector of poultry pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Its larvae are approved as novel food in the European Union and marketed as "buffalo worms" for human consumption and animal feed.
Alphitophagus
Alphitophagus is a genus of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Stephens in 1832. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution. The best-known species, A. bifasciatus, is a cosmopolitan pest of stored products and serves as an intermediate host for the poultry cestode Raillietina cesticillus. A. obtusangulus, described from Croatia in 1904, was recently recorded from France and Greece.
Amblycerini
Amblycerini is a tribe of seed beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae (Chrysomelidae), established by Bridwell in 1932. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with seeds as developmental hosts. The genus Spermophagus, a well-studied member of this tribe, shows complex evolutionary patterns of host plant colonization. The tribe is taxonomically accepted and contains multiple genera of seed-feeding beetles.
Anobiini
death-watch beetles
Anobiini is a tribe of beetles within the family Ptinidae, commonly known as death-watch beetles. The tribe contains at least 6 genera and approximately 20 described species. Members of this tribe are wood-boring beetles known for their association with timber and wooden structures. The common name "death-watch" derives from the tapping sounds produced by some species, historically associated with superstitions about impending death.
Anobium
furniture beetles
Anobium is a genus of wood-boring beetles in the family Ptinidae, comprising approximately seven extant and five extinct species. The genus is best known for Anobium punctatum, the common furniture beetle, a significant pest of seasoned timber and wooden structures. The name derives from Greek meaning "lifeless," referring to the beetles' thanatosis behavior when disturbed. Species in this genus are associated with dead wood and wooden materials, with larvae tunneling through timber and causing structural damage.
Anobium punctatum
Common furniture beetle, Common house borer, House borer
Anobium punctatum is a woodboring beetle commonly known as the furniture beetle or house borer. Adults are small beetles measuring 2.7–4.5 mm with brown, ellipsoidal bodies and a distinctive prothorax resembling a monk's cowl. The species has a documented annual emergence pattern in December in some populations, with females laying an average of 54.8 eggs after a short preoviposition period. Larvae bore into and feed upon wood, making this species a significant pest of wooden structures and furniture.
Anthrenus chiton
carpet beetle
Anthrenus chiton is a carpet beetle species in the family Dermestidae, subgenus Anthrenus. It is a small beetle native to the southwestern United States, where it occurs in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas. Like other members of its genus, it likely shares the typical carpet beetle biology of larval feeding on dried animal products and adult pollination behavior, though species-specific details remain poorly documented.
Anthrenus coloratus
Asian carpet beetle
Anthrenus coloratus is a small beetle species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the Asian carpet beetle. It has been documented as a pest of entomological collections, where it damages dried insect specimens. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and has been introduced to Ecuador.
Anthrenus flavipes
furniture carpet beetle
Anthrenus flavipes is a small dermestid beetle known as the furniture carpet beetle. Adults are 2–3.5 mm long, black with variable white and yellow mottling, and have rounded or oval body scales that distinguish them from related carpet beetles. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution and is a significant pest of household materials, particularly upholstered furniture, carpets, and textiles. Larvae are responsible for damage, feeding on keratin-containing materials including wool, hair, feathers, and silk.
Anthrenus isabellinus
Anthrenus isabellinus is a carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa. The species has been introduced to the eastern United States. Like other Anthrenus carpet beetles, its larvae feed on dried animal products including keratin-based materials. Historical taxonomic confusion with the related A. pimpinellae has complicated understanding of its true distribution.
Anthrenus lepidus
Anthrenus lepidus is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is a small beetle found in North America, with adults measuring 2-4 mm in length. Like other members of the genus Anthrenus, it is a household pest whose larvae feed on dried animal products including wool, silk, feathers, and keratin-based materials. The species is part of a group of cosmopolitan pests that have spread worldwide through international commerce.
Anthrenus museorum
museum beetle
Anthrenus museorum is a small dermestid beetle commonly known as the museum beetle. Adults measure 2–4 mm with round bodies and dark elytra bearing bright colored spots. The larval stage is the primary damaging form, feeding on dry animal materials including skin, hair, feathers, and occasionally dry food products like cheese, flour, or cocoa. The species is native to Europe and has become globally distributed through commercial trade, now occurring across the Palearctic, Near East, Nearctic, and other regions including China and Australia. It is a significant pest in museums, where larvae damage taxidermy specimens and insect collections.
Anthrenus pimpinellae
Anthrenus pimpinellae is a small carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, native to the Palaearctic region but introduced to North America. Adults measure 3–4 mm and have black elytra with white and brown scales. The species exhibits selective flower-feeding behavior, with mating occurring exclusively on preferred floral hosts. Larvae feed on dried animal products including keratin-containing materials.
Anthrenus scrophulariae
common carpet beetle, buffalo carpet beetle
Anthrenus scrophulariae is a small dermestid beetle native to the Palaearctic region that has become cosmopolitan through human commerce. Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from white or whitish flowers, while larvae are destructive pests of animal-derived materials including carpets, woolens, furs, and museum specimens. The species is notable for its distinctive patterned elytra with black, orange, and white scales that wear away with age, and for the medical irritation its larval hairs can cause in sensitive individuals.
Anthrenus sophonisba
Anthrenus sophonisba is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, first described by Beal in 1998. It belongs to the scrophulariae species group within the genus Anthrenus. The species is known from the western United States, specifically documented in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. Like other members of its genus, it likely shares the typical carpet beetle life history involving keratin-feeding larvae and pollen-feeding adults, though species-specific details remain poorly documented.
Anthrenus thoracicus
carpet beetle
Anthrenus thoracicus is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded in multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Like other members of the genus, it belongs to the Anthrenus scrophulariae species group. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1844.
Anthrenus verbasci
Varied Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci is a cosmopolitan pest species in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the varied carpet beetle. Adults are small (2–4 mm), rounded beetles with distinctive patterned elytra bearing bands or spots of brown, black, and white scales. Larvae are covered in dense setae and feed on dried proteinaceous material, causing damage to household items, museum collections, and stored agricultural products. The species exhibits circannual control of its life cycle, with photoperiod serving as the primary zeitgeber for synchronizing pupation and adult emergence in spring. Adults feed on pollen and nectar, particularly from umbelliferous plants (Apiaceae) and Asteraceae, and use both olfaction and vision in host plant selection.
Aphomia
bee moth
Aphomia is a genus of small moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Galleriinae. Some species are nest parasites of bees and bumblebees (Anthophila), with larvae feeding on wax, honey, and pollen. Other species, such as A. gularis, are significant pests of stored agricultural products including nuts, dried fruit, and cereals. The genus exhibits diverse ecological strategies spanning parasitism of social insect nests and exploitation of stored food products.
Apomyelois
knot-horn moths
Apomyelois is a genus of small pyralid moths in the subfamily Phycitinae, established by Carl Heinrich in 1956. The genus contains approximately six described species with notably divergent ecologies: some are agricultural pests of stored products and fruit crops, while others are specialized fungus-feeders in woodland habitats. Taxonomic boundaries remain contested, particularly regarding the placement of the carob moth, which some authorities classify as Ectomyelois ceratoniae.
Araecerus
coffee bean weevil (A. fasciculatus)
Araecerus is a genus of fungus weevils in the family Anthribidae, containing several species including the economically significant coffee bean weevil. The genus includes both described species and multiple undescribed species discovered in Papua New Guinea. Species within this genus are primarily associated with seeds and fruits, with some exhibiting broad polyphagy on stored agricultural products.
Araecerus fasciculatus
Coffee Bean Weevil
Araecerus fasciculatus, commonly known as the coffee bean weevil, is a polyphagous stored product pest in the family Anthribidae. Adults measure 3–5 mm with a dome-shaped, dark-brown body mottled with light and dark pubescence. The species has been documented on over 100 host plants including coffee, maize, cassava, nutmeg, dried fruits, and various nuts. It completes its life cycle inside seeds and stored products, with development times varying from 29 to 57 days depending on humidity and temperature. Through international trade, it has achieved cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical regions and is considered economically significant due to damage and contamination of stored commodities.
Asaphocrita aphidiella-complex
Asaphocrita aphidiella-complex is a species complex within the family Blastobasidae, a group of small moths often associated with stored products and plant materials. Species in this complex are morphologically similar and have been historically confused, requiring detailed examination for accurate identification. They are part of a genus known for diverse larval habits including predation, parasitism, and detritivory. The complex designation indicates ongoing taxonomic uncertainty regarding species boundaries.
Attagenus bicolor
carpet beetle
Attagenus bicolor is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, subfamily Attageninae. It is known from the southwestern and western United States, specifically Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with dried organic materials, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Attagenus fasciatus
Banded Black Carpet Beetle, Tobacco Seed Beetle, Wardrobe Beetle
Attagenus fasciatus is a cosmopolitan carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, commonly known as the banded black carpet beetle, tobacco seed beetle, or wardrobe beetle. It occurs in North America, Oceania, Europe, and tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The species is a significant pest of stored products, textiles, and animal materials, with larvae feeding on keratin-containing substrates.
Attagenus rufipennis
Attagenus rufipennis is a carpet beetle species in the family Dermestidae. It occurs in North America. Like other Attagenus species, it is likely associated with dried organic materials, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in available sources.
Attagenus schaefferi
carpet beetle
Attagenus schaefferi is a species of carpet beetle in the family Dermestidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the subfamily Attageninae and is one of nine Attagenus species recognized north of Mexico. The species was originally described as Megatoma schaeferi by Herbst in 1792. Two subspecies have been recognized: A. s. hypar Beal, 1970 and A. s. spurcus LeConte, 1874. Like other carpet beetles, it is commonly associated with dried animal products and household environments.
Attagenus smirnovi
Brown Carpet Beetle, Vodka Beetle
Attagenus smirnovi is a synanthropic dermestid beetle commonly known as the brown carpet beetle. Native to Africa, it has established populations across Central and Northern Europe through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a significant pest of museum collections and households, feeding on keratin-based materials including wool textiles, carpets, fur, and skin. First described by Rustem Devletovich Zhantiev in 1973, it was named after E.S. Smirnov, who first observed it in Moscow in 1961.
Attagenus unicolor
black carpet beetle
Attagenus unicolor, the black carpet beetle, is a 3–5 millimeter beetle in the family Dermestidae. It is considered the most destructive carpet beetle species in the United States. The larval stage causes damage to household fabrics, furniture, and stored products by feeding on natural fibers and dried animal materials. Adults feed on flower pollen. The species has both economic and minor medical significance due to the irritating hairs of larvae, which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Blaps mucronata
Churchyard Beetle
Blaps mucronata is a tenebrionid beetle known as a pest of stored products. The species exhibits nocturnal activity patterns synchronized with human or animal activity cycles, particularly in enclosed environments like stables. It has been documented in Europe, with specific biological studies conducted in Germany. The beetle possesses defensive secretions and shows distinct habitat preferences for humid, dark environments.
Blastobasidae
Blastobasid Moths
Blastobasidae is a family of small moths in the superfamily Gelechioidea, containing approximately 30 genera and hundreds of species distributed worldwide. Adults are generally slender, reddish-brown moths with wingspans of 12–24 mm, lacking conspicuous markings. Larvae feed on dead organic matter, though some species are pests of stored products or cultivated crops. The family's taxonomy remains unstable, with relationships among genera poorly resolved and various arrangements placing Blastobasidae as a subfamily of Coleophoridae or including Symmocidae within it.
Bruchini
seed beetles, bean weevils
Bruchini is a tribe of small beetles within the subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as seed beetles or bean weevils. Despite their common name, they are true beetles (Coleoptera), not weevils (Curculionidae). Members of this tribe are characterized by their compact, oval bodies and association with legume and other plant seeds. The tribe contains numerous genera, including Bruchus and Acanthoscelides, many of which are significant agricultural pests.
Bruchus pisorum
pea weevil, pea beetle, pea seed beetle
Bruchus pisorum is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly but incorrectly known as the pea weevil due to historical taxonomic confusion with true weevils (Curculionidae). It is a significant agricultural pest of cultivated pea (Pisum sativum), with larvae developing inside pea seeds. The species is now cosmopolitan in distribution, having spread from its native range in Western Asia through human-mediated transport in stored seeds. It is univoltine, with adults overwintering and emerging in spring to infest pea crops.
Cadra
Cadra is a genus of small moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae. The genus is characterized by reduced forewing venation with veins 4, 7, and 9 absent, resulting in nine forewing veins total. Several species are significant stored product pests, particularly of dry plant materials including seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. The genus is closely related to Ephestia, and species are sometimes assigned interchangeably between the two genera in non-entomological literature.
Cadra cautella
Almond moth, Tropical warehouse moth
Cadra cautella, commonly known as the almond moth or tropical warehouse moth, is a small stored-product pest in the family Pyralidae. It infests flour, bran, oats, and other grains, as well as dried fruits. The species is frequently confused with the Indian mealmoth (Plodia interpunctella) and Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella). Males exhibit specialized flight behavior in response to female sex pheromone plumes, maintaining upwind flight even at high pulse frequencies.
Callosobruchus maculatus
cowpea weevil, cowpea seed beetle, bean beetle
Callosobruchus maculatus is a seed beetle (family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae) commonly known as the cowpea weevil or cowpea seed beetle, despite not being a true weevil. It is a major pest of stored legumes, particularly cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), causing seed losses of 60–100% in infested stores. The species has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica, having spread globally through human trade of legumes. It exhibits notable sexual dimorphism, with females typically darker and larger than males. The species is widely used as a model organism in evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and developmental studies due to its rapid generation time, ease of laboratory rearing, and well-characterized life history.
Callosobruchus phaseoli
cowpea weevil, bean weevil
Callosobruchus phaseoli is a seed beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, commonly known as the cowpea weevil. Native to India, it has become a widespread invasive pest of legume crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Adults emerge from infested seeds and immediately mate, with females beginning egg-laying on the same day. The species causes significant damage to stored legume seeds and is known to exhibit scramble competition behavior during larval development.
Carpophilus
sap beetles
Carpophilus is a genus of sap beetles (Nitidulidae) containing numerous species worldwide. Adults are small (approximately 3 mm), oblong beetles with short elytra that expose the last two abdominal tergites. Several species are significant agricultural pests of fruits, nuts, and stored products. The genus exhibits diverse ecological roles, with some species acting as pollinators while others serve as vectors of plant pathogens.
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.
Cartodere constricta
Plaster Beetle
Cartodere constricta, commonly known as the plaster beetle, is a minute lathridiid beetle measuring 1.3–2.0 mm in length. Native to the Palearctic region, it has become established in the Nearctic through human-mediated dispersal. The species is a mold feeder associated with stored products, buildings, and organic debris in dry environments. It serves as a documented phoretic host for the mite Tarsonemus ascitus, which attaches specifically to the lateral and underside surfaces of the beetle's prothorax.
Caryedon
pea and bean weevils, groundnut bruchids
Caryedon is a genus of seed beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Bruchinae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus includes significant agricultural pests, notably C. serratus (groundnut bruchid) and C. gonagra (also called groundnut bruchid), which infest stored legume seeds. Species in this genus are primarily associated with Fabaceae hosts and have been documented across the Old World tropics and subtropics.
Caryedon serratus
Groundnut Bruchid, Groundnut Borer
Caryedon serratus is a bruchid beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the groundnut bruchid or groundnut borer. It is a major pest of stored groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) and also develops on seeds of wild legumes such as Piliostigma thonningii. The species has a broad pantropical and subtropical distribution spanning Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. Its life cycle is strongly influenced by temperature and humidity, with development rates varying significantly across environmental conditions.
Cathartus
Cathartus is a monotypic genus of flat bark beetles in the family Silvanidae, containing the single species Cathartus quadricollis. The genus is known from both stored product environments and agricultural systems, with documented populations in Hawaii functioning as predators of scolytine pests. Laboratory studies have characterized its developmental biology on various grain substrates.
Caulophilus
Caulophilus is a genus of true weevils (Curculionidae) established by Wollaston in 1854, comprising more than 20 described species. At least one species, C. oryzae, is a significant stored product pest. The genus has been documented as a host for ectoparasitic wasps in the family Bethylidae.