Body length of 3-4 mm. Body is flattish and uniformly red brown in colour. The head and thorax are covered with very small punctures and the elytra are linearly ridged.
The last 3 segments of the antennae are abruptly enlarged to form a loose club. The thorax has curved sides.
Larvae
Yellowish-white, slender and cylindrical, covered with fine hairs. The head is pale brown and the last abdominal segment bears two dark coloured pointed appendages.
Eggs
White to colourless, cylindrical in shape and ca. 0.5 mm long. Laid singly on or near food resources.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan
Economic Host(s)
Stored grains, oilseeds, dried beans, spices and pulses.
Symptons/Signs
Holes and tunnels in grain and seeds are caused by feeding larvae and adults. A large amount of dust and a pungent smell are also signs of a significant infestation.
Generations
1 or more
Monitoring
Adults Present
All year round in warm grain stores
Recommended Trap Density
Traps should be placed 10-15 m apart. Once the location of an outbreak has been established more traps can be added to the affected area.
Trap Maintenance
Check traps on a regular basis; at least twice a week. Replace the pheromone dispensers every 4 weeks to achieve optimum results.
Replace the sticky traps, if used, once they become saturated with dust or insects.
Storage
Keep product away from heat and direct sunlight. Store in a refrigerator for a shelf life of 12 months or a freezer for an extended life of 18 months. Always store sealed in original packaging.
