Bug Identifier
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
Community identification

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Oryzaephilus surinamensis

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Silvanidae
Size
2.5 to 3 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Domestic and commercial food storage areas, including pantries, granaries, and warehouses

Diet & Feeding

Stored dry goods specifically grains, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, pasta, and seeds

Behavior Patterns

Non-flying adults provide high mobility through crawling; they possess a flattened body shape to hide in narrow crevices of packaging. Females lay eggs directly into food sources.

Risks & Benefits

Primary pest of stored products that causes food spoilage and economic loss; they do not sting or bite humans but can cause aesthetic and sanitation issues in kitchens.