Beetle

The grain beetle has an elongated, flattened body and is a member of the beetle family. It measures between 2 and 3mm. Its antennae are club-shaped and its body is brown. Its shape differentiates it from neighboring species. On each side of the thorax there are 6 peak-shaped excrescences and one can see 3 lighter streaks than the rest of the body.

During her lifetime the female will lay 400 oval eggs. Eggs end up in food, in the cracks of wooden furniture that may contain food. The larva will feed only on flour and grinds and is shaped like a cream-colored worm. They devour anything they can find.

The oilseed beetle is a tropical insect but due to global movement of goods it is now found all over the world.

It is very established in Quebec and it is a frequent pest in Canada. It will infest the pantry that holds food such as flour, pasta, bread and cereals in general. It will deposit a smelly secretion which will make the grain or flour unfit for consumption.