Beetles have poorly developed wings and some species are unable to fly, although the rusty grain beetle and the red flour beetle can fly well. Egg Larva Pupa Adult beetle Life cycle of beetle or weevil or weevil Stored-product beetles often appear similar but have differing behavior patterns and status as pests. It is important to determine which species are present before taking remedial action. The characteristic features of the main beetle species occurring on stored grains and oilseed crops in Canada are as follows. This beetle is the most serious pest of stored grain in most regions of Canada.
Heavy infestations cause grain to spoil and heat.
It moves rapidly in warm grain and can fly when air temperature is above 23 C. Eggs are laid in the crevices of kernels and in grain dust. The tiny larvae penetrate and feed on the germ of damaged kernels. Each female is capable of laying 200 to 500 eggs, which are deposited loosely in the cracks of the grain kernels. Page up Both the larvae and adults feed on the germ and also on damaged kernels and wheat dust. This pest develops on stored grains and oilseeds on farms and in primary elevators throughout the Prairie Provinces and most of Canada.