Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Pantropical, typically found in stored food products such as grains, cereals, pasta, dried fruit, pet food, and spices. Often inhabits pantries, food processing plants, and grocery stores.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a wide variety of dried food products, especially processed grains but also dried fruits, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and tobacco. It cannot chew through whole, undamaged grains but feeds on broken kernels and processed products.

Behavior Patterns

These beetles are highly mobile and can quickly infest new food sources. They are often found in large numbers once an infestation takes hold. They do not fly. Females lay eggs individually in food products, and larvae and adults feed on the same materials. They can survive in cooler temperatures but thrive in warm, humid conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to stored food products, leading to economic losses and potential food contamination with their bodies and frass. They can introduce fungi and other microorganisms. They pose no direct threat to humans (do not bite or sting) but are a common pantry pest. There are no known benefits.

Identified on: 10/6/2025