Insect of the Month: Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Insect of the Month: Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Red Flour Beetles are primarily pests of flour, but also feed on processed beans, nuts, spices, chocolate, and pharmaceuticals. Both adults and larvae cause damage. 

Heavy infestations of flour by this insect may cause the product to turn greyish or mold prematurely. This insect can also give a citronella-like smell and taste from its scent glands to the material infested.

What do red flour beetles look like?

Red Flour Beetle Adults: These small beetles are reddish brown, and about 3.5 mm (0.15 inches) long. Red flour beetles can be differentiated from Confused flour beetles by the last four segments of the antennae.

On Red Flour Beetles, the last three segments of the antennae are abruptly enlarged to form a club. Confused flour beetle are gradually enlarged towards the tip. Adult Red Flour Beetles of this species fly in warmer temperatures, usually above 29°C (85°F). 

Red Flour Beetle Eggs: Oval, ivory in color and only visible under microscopic examination of flour products. 

Red Flour Beetle Larvae: The immature stage is approximately 4-5 mm (0.25 inches) long, white to yellowish in color, and wiry in appearance. The last abdominal segment ends with two prominent points. 

Red Flour Beetle Pupae: Pupal cases are white to yellowish in color and nearly the same size as adult beetles. The tip of the abdomen ends with two prominent points. 

What is the red flour beetle life cycle?

Female red flour beetles will deposit 200-450 eggs in food during a 1-3 year life span. Eggs hatch in 5-12 days, and the larvae can mature within 30 days in warmer months or as long as 120 days in cooler months.

The life cycle of this species is shorter than the Confused Flour beetle. The reproductive rate, as a result, is usually higher as well. 

Solutions for Monitoring Red Flour Beetles

All Beetle Trap Kit with RTU Gel Cartridge (IL-2750)

from $93.00

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Kit of 10 Case of 100

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Pantry Patrol Gel-Pack ReBait (IL-1705)

from $33.00

Kit or Case:

Select Kit or Case Kit of 10 Gel PacksCase of 100 Gel Packs

Kit of 10 Gel Packs Case of 100 Gel Packs

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All Beetle Trap with Gel Attractant (IL-2700)

from $82.50

Kit or Case:

Select Kit or Case Kit of 10 Traps and Gel PacksCase of 100 Traps and Gel Packs

Kit of 10 Traps and Gel Packs Case of 100 Traps and Gel Packs

Quantity:

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Monitoring Guidelines for Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Click on the image or insect name above to view monitoring guidelines for red flour beetles. These guidelines include details on Description, Lifecycle, Damage and Detection, Corresponding Products, Fun Facts, and more!

Stay tuned

Next week we are going to be sharing a solution Insects Limited offers when dealing with food-infesting insects.

Related Insect and Pheromone Posts

Read more about insects and pheromones in these related posts:

Product of the Month: All Beetle Trap Kit with RTU Gel Cartridge (IL-2750)

Insect of the Month: Red Flour Beetle (Tribolium castaneum)

Introducing: The Center for Stored Product Protection

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