Species: Teretrius nigrescens
Similar species: Carpophilus spp.
Distribution
Worldwide, especially in the topics
Pest type
Predator
Identification
Adults
3.0–7.0 mm, oval, deed-like, shiny black or dark metallic in colour. The elytra are short and expose two or three segments of the abdomen. The antennae have 10 segments with a three-segment club at the end.
Larvae
campodeiform, elongated with large forward-pointing sickle-shaped mandibles.
Life Cycle
At optimum conditions of 27 ℃ temperature and 70% relative humidity, the life cycle will be completed intwo months. The eggs are laid in commodities. The larvae are mobile and hunters.
Pest attacked
Teretrius nigrescens Is a specific predator of the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus. It has been introduced into Africa as a biological control agent.
Economic importance
A beneficial insect