Bug Identifier
Sawtoothed Grain Beetle
Community identification

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Oryzaephilus surinamensis

Order & Family
Coleoptera: Silvanidae
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3 mm (1/10 to 1/8 inch) in length.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, primarily in stored food products such as flour, cereal, dried fruit, pasta, birdseed, and nuts within pantries, grain elevators, and food processing plants.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a wide variety of dry stored food products including cereals, flour, sugar, dried fruits, tobacco, seeds, and confectionery items.

Behavior Patterns

They are active wanderers that do not fly despite having wings. Their flat bodies allow them to enter sealed packages through tiny cracks. They are often found in large numbers when an infestation is present.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases dangerous to humans. However, they are a nuisance pest that contaminates food, causing waste and spoilage. Infested food must be discarded.