- Latin Name: Cryptolestes spp.
- Latin Family Name: Laemophloeidae
- Common Name: Flat or Rusty Grain Beetles
- Other Names: Lined flat bark beetle, flour mill beetle, rusty grain beetle, flat bark beetle
Origin:
These beetles are found worldwide in many kinds of stored food products, including dried fruit, grains, flours, dried mushrooms, and other vegetable-based foods. It is a scavenger that often is in association with other food pests. They may also be found outside, feeding on damaged, moldy fruits or vegetables or under the bark of dead trees.
Biology:
These are absolutely the tiniest of the stored food beetles, and so flattened from top to bottom that they are virtually invisible when viewed from their side. They are attracted to spoiled, moldy materials.
Identification:
Flat grain beetles are distinguished from the other grain beetles by their tiny size, extraordinarily thin body, and the antennae that are very long relative to their size. The antennae may be as long as their body, and the length of the antennae is one means for distinguishing the Flat grain beetle from the closely related Rusty grain beetle.
Characteristics Important to Control:
Control of moisture is important, given the dietary preference of this beetle. Old, spoiled foods need to be discarded, and the source of the infestation when beetle adults are found simply wandering around must be determined and removed. Good sanitation and cleanup of spilled materials will reduce the attraction of the insects to a site.
