Foreign Grain Beetle
Ahasverus advena
This record describes Ahasverus advena (species). Recorded family: Silvanidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note the acuminate last antennomere. (comm. Michael C. Thomas, 2014) Det. M. C. Thomas, 2014 may be a nuisance in new homes, but do no actual harm
Wikipedia reference for Ahasverus advena: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_grain_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Silvanidae (Silvanid Flat Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Silvaninae
- Genus
- Ahasverus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
common in homes (esp. newly built) and grain storage facilities
Geographic Range
e US to CA, cosmopolitan - Map
Seasonal Activity
year round, but mostly May-Nov ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Molds and fungi growing on damp grain, grain products, stored fruit, and other materials
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ahasverus advena (Waltl 1834)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ahasverus advena. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Foreign Grain Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Foreign Grain Beetle
What is Foreign Grain Beetle?
Foreign Grain Beetle (Ahasverus advena) is a species in the family Silvanidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Foreign Grain Beetle?
Note the acuminate last antennomere. (comm. Michael C. Thomas, 2014) Det. M. C. Thomas, 2014
Where is Foreign Grain Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | common in homes (esp. newly built) and grain storage facilities |
| Range | e US to CA, cosmopolitan - Map |
What does Foreign Grain Beetle eat?
The diet of the Foreign Grain Beetle includes Molds and fungi growing on damp grain, grain products, stored fruit, and other materials.
When is Foreign Grain Beetle active?
Foreign Grain Beetle: seasonal activity - year round, but mostly May-Nov ( 3 ).