Lesser Grain Borer
Rhyzopertha dominica
This record describes Rhyzopertha dominica (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Commonly infests flour, macaroni, beans, chickpeas, seeds, edible bulbs, grains, sometimes wood; damage can be considerable because adults and larvae feed on the surface and interior of grains. Adults readily fly. ( 4 )
Wikipedia reference for Rhyzopertha dominica: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhyzopertha.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dinoderinae
- Genus
- Rhyzopertha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
mainly confined to heated buildings in the temperate regions ( 3 )
Geographic Range
native to tropical Asia, now cosmopolitan
Diet and Behavior
Diet: serious pest of both whole kernel stored grain and cereal products
Life History
Larvae develop in whole grain and remain within the kernel through 4-5 instars; on wholemeal there are 2–7 instars ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius 1792)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhyzopertha dominica. 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 Lesser Grain Borer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Grain Borer
What is Lesser Grain Borer?
Lesser Grain Borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lesser Grain Borer?
2‒3 mm
Where is Lesser Grain Borer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | mainly confined to heated buildings in the temperate regions ( 3 ) |
| Range | native to tropical Asia, now cosmopolitan |
What does Lesser Grain Borer eat?
The diet of the Lesser Grain Borer includes serious pest of both whole kernel stored grain and cereal products.
What is the life cycle of a Lesser Grain Borer?
Larvae develop in whole grain and remain within the kernel through 4-5 instars; on wholemeal there are 2–7 instars ( 4 )