Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in food storage areas such as pantries, kitchens, warehouses, and grocery stores. They prefer warm, humid environments and are often associated with dried food commodities.

Diet & Feeding

Sawtoothed grain beetles feed on a variety of stored food products, including grains (flour, rice, pasta), cereals, nuts, dried fruits, candy, and pet food. They cannot feed on whole, undamaged grains but thrive on broken kernels or processed products.

Behavior Patterns

Sawtoothed grain beetles are highly mobile and can quickly infest stored food products. They can reproduce rapidly under optimal conditions, with a life cycle from egg to adult taking as little as 3-4 weeks. Adults are long-lived, up to 6-10 months. They are attracted to food sources and can be found foraging in pantries and food processing areas.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant economic damage to stored food products due to contamination and spoilage. They can chew through packaging, leading to widespread infestations. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits are negligible in an economic context, as they are primarily pests.

Identified on: 9/3/2025