General
A flattish beetle, 2mm-4mm long. The short wing covers leave some of the abdominal
segments exposed. The body is dark brown with yellowish patches on wing covers.
The larvae are elongate, parallel-sided and lightly pigmented, 9mm in length.
Significance
Comodities attacked includes dried fruits, maize, copra, wheat, nuts,
beans and spices. The beetle favours high temperatures and high
relative humidity. Damage usually starts on damper parts
but rapidly spreads to sound fruits.
Control
Any infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed or failing this fumigated.
The structure and fittings of the infested area should be treated with a residual
insecticide.
At 28°C the number of days spent as:
| Egg |
1-4 |
| Larva |
7-10 |
| Pupa |
7 |
|
|
