Sawtoothed Grain Beetle or Merchant Grain Beetle (unclear from image alone)

Natural Habitat

Pantry pests; found in stored food products such as grains, cereals, flour, pasta, dried fruit, pet food, and sometimes in household cracks and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers of various dried food products, especially those with high oil content. They do not feed on whole, undamaged grains but prefer broken kernels and processed foods.

Behavior Patterns

These beetles are highly mobile and can quickly infest food sources. They breed continuously in warm conditions. Females lay eggs directly onto food. Both larvae and adults feed on the same food sources. They are not strong fliers but can glide. They are very flat, allowing them to hide in small cracks and penetrate packaging.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: Contamination and destruction of stored food products, leading to financial loss and health concerns if contaminated food is consumed (though direct health risks are low). They can cause an unpleasant smell in heavily infested food. No direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, as they are primarily pests.

Identified on: 10/6/2025