Saw-toothed grain beetle
Scientific name: Oryzaephilus surinamensis
Similar Species: Merchant grain beetle (Oryzaephilus mercator)
Family: Silvanidae
Distribution
Worldwide
Pest Type
Secondary pest
Identification
O. surinamensis (saw-toothed grain beetle) adults are 2.4–3.0 mm size, and they are dark brown in colour. They can be identified by their saw-like margins on the pronotum, with six projections on each side. Additionally, they have 3 longitudinal ridges on the surface of their pronotum. Adults cannot fly.
O. mercator (merchant grain beetle) adults are 2.5–3.0 mm in length. This species is almost identical to its relative, O. surinamensis but can be distinguisehd by its larger eyes and by the shape of its head; O. mercator is narrow than O. surinamensis, which has a triangular shaped head. Adults can fly.
Life Cycle
Life cycle can be completed in 20 days at 30–33℃ and 70–90% relative humidity.
Commodities attacked
Oryzaephilus sarinamensis attacks cereals and cereal products, while Oryzaephilus mercator feeds on dried fruit and oilseeds, and any foodstuff of vegetable origin.
Economic Importance
A major pest in storage facilities of processed and packaged goods.
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