Red flour beetle

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide in stored food products, mills, warehouses, and homes; prefers warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, primarily feeding on stored grains, flour, cereal products, dried fruits, nuts, and other dry food products, especially those that are damaged or have a high moisture content.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal; can fly short distances; females lay sticky eggs directly on food or packaging; larvae and adults feed on the same food source; can survive for long periods without food; often found in large aggregations.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major stored product pest, causing significant economic damage by contaminating food with their bodies, feces, and secretions (quinones, which impart a pungent odor and taste). Can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Benefits: None known as a pest of stored food.

Identified on: 9/17/2025