General
Adults are 4mm-6mm long. They are shiny, metallic blue with reddish
legs and clubbed antennae. The larva is 10mm long when fully grown
and has a dark brown head and dorsal thoracic segments. There are
variations within the species take advice as appropriate necessary.
Significance
Not very common in the UK. Infests copra, dried meats, bacon, bones,
cocoa beans, oil seeds, fish, garlic, dog biscuits, ham and cheese.
Pet food manufacturing plants and bakeries producing meat-based
products may become infested. The larvae cause most damage,
boring holes into the food stuffs. The adults are surface feeders.
Control
Identify the source of infestation, usually food debris of the type
described above and remove it where possible. A residual insecticide
should then be applied; a synthetic pyrethroid would be suitable.
Number of days spent as:
| Egg |
4-14 |
| Larva |
17-42 |
| Pupa |
13+ |
| Adult |
up to 420 |
Top:Necrobia rufipes adult
Bottom: Necrobia rufipes adult |
|
