A to Z of Pests

Broad-Horned Flour Beetle

Gnatocerus cornutus

Appearance

• Adult — 3.5 – 4.5mm in length. Male has two enlarged mandibles on the head giving the appearance of horns. Female very similar in appearance to T. confusum but has smooth elytra.
• Larva — similar to Tribolium species but slightly bigger.

Lifecycle

• Temperature limits 15–32°C. 8 weeks at 27°C. Cannot complete life cycle below 10°C.

Habits

• Feeds on flour, dough, semolina etc. Moth eggs and larvae may supplement the diet.