OzAnimals.com
Australian Wildlife

  Longheaded Flour Beetle (Latheticus oryzae)





Longheaded Flour Beetle | Latheticus oryzae photo
Longheaded Flour Beetle

Image by USDA-ARS-GMPRC Image Database - License: Public Domain.    (view image details)

Longheaded Flour Beetle | Latheticus oryzae photo
Longheaded Flour Beetle larva

Image by USDA-ARS-GMPRC Image Database - License: Public Domain.    (view image details)







INSECT FACTS

Identification
The Longheaded Flour Beetle is a pest of grain products in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is a small yellowish brown beetle with flat slender body with parallel sides. The antennae are short with a five segment club on the end.

Size
length 2.5mm to 3mm

Habitat
In the temperate climatic zones in Australia, the beetle tends to inhabit heated premises.

Food
The Longheaded Flour Beetle is a minor pest of grain products such as wheat, barley, corn, flour, cereals, oatmeal, and also beans

Breeding
The female lays about 300 eggs in her life. The eggs are sticky and adhere to flour or grain particles. The larvae are cylindrical and white and develop through 6 or 7 instars. The larva pupates amongst the food source in a white pupa. Adults live up to six months.

Range
found throughout Australia.



Classification
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Tenebrionidae
Genus:Latheticus
Species:oryzae
Common Name:Longheaded Flour Beetle