Larger Grain Borer
Prostephanus truncatus
This record describes Prostephanus truncatus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
is a pest in Central America and Africa; can survive for long periods in wooden bins and in cobs and stalks of maize
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dinoderinae
- Genus
- Prostephanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
established in most tropical regions
Diet and Behavior
Diet: capable of feeding on wheat, rice, cowpeas, beans ( Phaseolus ), peanuts, cocoa beans, and coffee beans; often attacks maize before harvest and continues to infest during storage
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Prostephanus truncatus (Horn 1878)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Prostephanus truncatus. 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 Larger Grain Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Larger Grain Borer
What is Larger Grain Borer?
Larger Grain Borer (Prostephanus truncatus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Larger Grain Borer?
8–10 mm
Where is Larger Grain Borer found?
Range: established in most tropical regions
What does Larger Grain Borer eat?
The diet of the Larger Grain Borer includes capable of feeding on wheat, rice, cowpeas, beans ( Phaseolus ), peanuts, cocoa beans, and coffee beans; often attacks maize before harvest and continues to infest during storage.