Larger grain borer
Scientific name: Prostephanus truncatus
Family: Bostricihae
Distribution
Native to Central America, tropical South America and the extreme south of the USA, but has been introduced in many countries.
Pest Type
Primary pest
Identification
Adults are 3.5–5.5 mm long and are dark brown in colour. The head is concealed underneath the pronotum. The tip of the abdomen is square, and the ends and sides of the elytra are marked with a ridge.
Larvae are scarabaeiform or C-shaped, white in colour, sparsely covered in hairs, and have fully developed legs.
Life Cycle
At optimum conditions of 30 ℃ temperature and 75% relative humidity, the life cycle will be completed in 26 days. The eggs are laid in commodities or tunnels bored by adults. The larvae are internal feeders and they produce lots of flour.
Commodities attacked
A major pest of corn, and sometimes dried cassava. They often invest before harvest.
Economic Importance
High importance, and is an international quarantine concern.
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