Drugstore Beetles
Scientific name: Stegobium paniceum
Family: Anobiidae
Distribution
Worldwide, tolerant of temperate climates.
Pest Type
Primary and Secondary
Identification
Adults are 3–4 mm, brown, and globular. Very similar to the cigarette beetle but the last three segments of the antennae form a loose club. Elytra with fine longitudinal ridges and fine hairs. The larva is scarabaeiform or C-shaped and fully developed legs.


Life Cycle
Females lay up to 75 eggs in food. Larval stage takes 4–20 weeks. At Optimum temperature and relative humidity 30 ℃, 60-90% RH, the life cycle can be completed in 40 days. Larvae are internal feeders and immobile when mature. Adults are active, short-lived, do not feed on commodity, and can fly.
Commodities attacked
A wide variety of dried animal and vegetable products, especially dried tobacco leaves, cigarettes, cigars, flours cereals, coffee, nuts, and dried fruits.
Economic Importance
Of high importance in processed goods, herbaria and museums. A minor pest in raw cereals.
Leave a Reply