A to Z of Pests

Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle

Oryzaephilus surinamensis

Appearance

• Adult — 2.5–3mm in length. 6 saw–like projections on each side of the thorax. Long length of head behind the eyes.
• Larva — yellow to brown with a brown head.

Lifecycle

• 20 days at 35°C, 3–4 months at 20°C. Lower limit of 18°C. More tolerant to temperature extremes than O.

Habits

• Feeds on cereals and cereal products and can also be found on dried fruit, nuts, etc.