Confused Flour Beetle
Order: Coleoptera
The Confused Flour Beetle gets its common name because of the confusion regarding its identity. It is very similar in appearance and habit to the Red Flour Beetle. The primary difference is that the Confused Flour Beetle does not fly and the Red Flour Beetle does fly. Therefore, the Red Flour Beetle can be distributed in a plant or warehouse more quickly. Both beetles are found all over the world.
Description: Adults range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. They have an oval shape and their color is a light reddish brown. Larva color is white with long hairs.
Biology: Females lay 2-3 eggs per day among food products. The eggs hatch in 5-12 days. Both beetles reach maturity in about 30 days and adults may live as long as 2-3 years. This rapid reproduction cycle can result in high numbers in a short period of time.
Habits: These beetles attack a variety of grain products, spices, shelled nuts, dried fruit, pet food, meat meal, fish meal, dried flowers, chocolate, tobacco, and yeast products. They also infest furniture stuffing, museum artifacts, books and bookbinder's paste. |
