Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in dried food products, grain storage facilities, pantries, and mills. They are a common pantry pest.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of dried foods, especially grains, cereals, pasta, dried fruits, nuts, and pet food. They cannot feed on whole kernels but rather on damaged ones or processed grains.

Behavior Patterns

These beetles are highly active and can move quickly. They are attracted to food sources and can infest packaged goods. Females lay eggs singly within food products, and the larvae develop within the food. Multiple generations can occur in a year under favorable conditions (warmth and food availability). They do not fly readily and prefer to crawl.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a significant stored product pest, causing economic damage by contaminating and rendering food unfit for consumption due to their presence, waste products, and damage to packaging. They do not bite or sting humans and are not known to transmit diseases. Benefits: None known for humans in this context; they are primarily a pest species.

Identified on: 10/7/2025