Rhyzopertha dominica

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Rhyzopertha dominica on wheat grain (click on image to enlarge it)
Source: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series - IPM Images

Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) - (lesser grain borer)

The beetle has a worldwide distribution and is an important pest of stored whole cereal grains. Other stored products may be also attacked, like stored cassava products, nuts, legumes, dried fruits and even dried meat. Grain shipments may be infested and are often responsible for the introduction of the pest into a different area. In addition, the adult is able to fly short distances.

The adult feeds on the grain, but lays its eggs outside the grain. The young larvae bore into the grain and live and pupate inside. Grains with cracks can facilitate the entry of the larvae. The development from egg, through 4 larval stages, to mature adult lasts around 3-4 weeks under favorable conditions. Management involves monitoring stores with pheromone traps. Fumigation is usually applied to light infestations. Advanced infestations need complete removal of the products and careful cleaning of the store.

Vernacular names
• Deutsch: Getreidekapuziner
• English: lesser grain borer
• Español: gorgojo de los cereales
• Français: perceur (petit) des céréales
capucin des grains
• Português: pequena-broca-dos-grãos

The adult is 2-3 mm long, dark brown to black. Seen from above, the head is partly or completely hidden by the pronotum which is pitted, with a series of knobs along its front edge. The antenna have 10 segments including a 3-segmented club. The elytra have rows of pits, each with a curved seta.

Synonyms:
Dinoderus pusillus
Rhizopertha dominica
Rhizopertha pusilla