Flat Grain Beetle
Cryptolestes pusillus
This record describes Cryptolestes pusillus (species). Recorded family: Laemophloeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
one of the most common pests of stored grain around the world; does not attack sound or uninjured kernels and often appears after the attack by other grain pests (frequently found in large numbers with the rice weevil)
Wikipedia reference for Cryptolestes pusillus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptolestes_pusillus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cucujoidea
- Family
- Laemophloeidae (Lined Flat Bark Beetles)
- Genus
- Cryptolestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
synanthropic
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan, of tropical/subtropical origin
Diet and Behavior
Diet: stored grain; larvae will also feed on dead insects
Life History
usually 5–9 weeks from egg to adult; adult female lives about 1 yr
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptolestes pusillus (Schönherr 1817)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptolestes pusillus. 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 Flat Grain Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Grain Beetle
What is Flat Grain Beetle?
Flat Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes pusillus) is a species in the family Laemophloeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Flat Grain Beetle?
1.4–1.9 mm
Where is Flat Grain Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | synanthropic |
| Range | cosmopolitan, of tropical/subtropical origin |
What does Flat Grain Beetle eat?
The diet of the Flat Grain Beetle includes stored grain; larvae will also feed on dead insects.
What is the life cycle of a Flat Grain Beetle?
usually 5–9 weeks from egg to adult; adult female lives about 1 yr