Tribolium confusum
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Source: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series - IPM Images
Tribolium confusum Jaquelin Du Val, 1868 - (confused flour beetle)
The beetle is a serious pest of flour mills, stored flour and grain with a nearly world-wide distribution. It is possibly native to Africa. It also attacks dried fruits and nuts. It is frequently imported into Europe, but cannot survive cold temperatures. Mainly broken and damaged grain is attacked.
The life cycle from egg to adult lasts around 1-3 months, depending on the temperature. For control, pyrethrin aerosols are commonly used in flour mills. However, these may not reach larvae inside the flour. Alternative methods are fumigation, controlled atmosphere, high temperatures (60° C), or diatomaceous earth formulations. Household goods can be disinfested by freezing them for 24 hours.
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Amerikanischer Reismehlkäfer |
| • English: | confused flour beetle bran bug |
| • Español: | tribolio de la harina gorgojo confuso de la harina gusano amarillo de la harina tribolio confuso |
| • Français: | tribolium brun de la farine |
The adult is around 4 mm long and reddish-brown in colour. It does not fly. It is closely related to Tribolium castaneum which has a similar biology and appearance. T. confusum can be recognized by the antennae gradually increasing in width to a 4-segmented club, while in T. castaneum the club has only 3 segments, much wider than the rest of the antenna.
For details see the respective page in Wikipedia.
- Other images of Tribolium confusum (IPM Images - click to enlarge)
antenna
head capsule
