Flat Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes spp.)

There are a number of flat grain beetle species in this genus which can only be separately identified through genital dissection.

Invasive

Found across Australia and worldwide

Larvae:

The larvae are white, elongated, up to 4.0 mm long and have small “horns” at the end of the abdomen.

Adults:

Small, flat, fast-moving, reddish brown beetle. It is only 2.0 mm long with long antennae. Their size and speed of movement almost make them “ant-like” in their appearance.

Female beetles lays 300 eggs over their lifetime.

The life-cycle is completed in around 4 weeks.

Adults live for several months.

Feed on a wide range of stored grain. Does not attack intact grain but targets weather-damaged and grains with a high moisture content.

Only the larvae feed and cause damage.

Adults are small and fast moving – “ant-like”.

Adult beetles readily fly.

• Check all incoming food materials
• Place all opened food stuffs in sealed plastic containers
• Clear up any food spills