General
The cylindrical body has the head produced to form a snout–like proboscis. The antennae are elbowed and clubbed and the wing cases have four dull reddish spots.
Lesser Rice Weavil are 2mm-3.5mm long, averaging 2.5mm
Greater Rice Weavil average 3mm. The larvae are fleshy, crescent-shaped, sessile grubs. Adults of both species can fly if the temperature is high (30°C) The two species are almost indistinguishable in form but are biologically distinct. Dissection is required to differentiate the two species. In general the Lesser Rice Weavil does best on small grain such as wheat, whilst the Greater Rice Weavil prefers larger grain such as maize. The two species may occur in the same infestation.

Significance    
Although they are important pests mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics, they are two of the insects most commonly imported into the UK on wheat, maize, rice and sometimes on flour and pasta.

Control
As the development stages occur within the grain, an infestation may remain undetected until adult emergence. Start with identifying the source of the infestation and the extent of product contamination. Infested foodstuffs should be isolated and destroyed, or failing this fumigated. Treatment of all the fabric of the building should be carried out using a residual synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, supplemented with an ultra-low volume insecticide application. Attention to hygiene is important so as to remove food residues. Furthermore, as these insects are prolific breeders, a thorough treatment is essential.       

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