Sawtoothed Grain Beetle or Merchant Grain Beetle

Natural Habitat

Pantropical; often found in dried food products such as grains, flours, cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and pet food, as well as in pantries, warehouses, and mills.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of stored dry food products, especially processed grains but not whole grains unless damaged. They cannot digest starch in whole grains.

Behavior Patterns

Active insects that can climb vertical surfaces. Both species are commonly found in human dwellings. Females lay eggs singly in food material. Life cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 3-4 weeks under optimal conditions, but can be much longer in cooler temperatures.

Risks & Benefits

Primarily a pest of stored products, causing economic losses by contaminating food. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit diseases. No direct benefits to humans or ecosystems are recognized in this context.

Identified on: 10/7/2025