Saw-toothed Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Saw-toothed grain beetles are common in food storage areas, pantries, warehouses, and processing plants where dry food products are present. They prefer warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on a wide range of stored food products including flour, cereals, pasta, dried fruits, nuts, pet food, and even chocolate. They cannot attack whole, undamaged grains but feed on broken kernels or milled products.

Behavior Patterns

Saw-toothed grain beetles are general scavengers and are attracted to a variety of stored food products. They are often found in pantries or food processing plants. They reproduce quickly in suitable conditions, with females laying 45-285 eggs during their lifetime. The entire life cycle from egg to adult takes about 3-4 weeks at optimal temperatures (around 30-33°C). They can live for 6-10 months.

Risks & Benefits

The primary risk associated with saw-toothed grain beetles is food spoilage and contamination. They do not bite or sting humans, nor do they transmit diseases. However, their presence can render food unpalatable and lead to significant economic losses for food producers and consumers. They have no known direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, as they are primarily pests.

Identified on: 8/15/2025