Granary Weevil
Sitophilus granarius
This record describes Sitophilus granarius (species). Recorded family: Curculionidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
distinct from S. oryzae in having the hind wings reduced, the elytral intervals at least as wide as the striae, the strial punctures small and clearly separated, and the pronotal punctures distinctly elongate notorious pest of stored grain
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Curculionoidea
- Family
- Curculionidae (Snout and Bark Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dryophthorinae
- Tribe
- Rhynchophorini
- Genus
- Sitophilus (Granary Weevils)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
restricted to stored grain
Geographic Range
Throughout the temperate regions of the world, incl. most of NA; likely originates in n. India
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae feed on the endosperm, pass through four instars, and pupate inside the grain
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sitophilus granarius. 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 Granary Weevil (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Granary Weevil
What is Granary Weevil?
Granary Weevil (Sitophilus granarius) is a species in the family Curculionidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Granary Weevil?
distinct from S. oryzae in having the hind wings reduced, the elytral intervals at least as wide as the striae, the strial punctures small and clearly separated, and the pronotal punctures distinctly elongate
Where is Granary Weevil found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | restricted to stored grain |
| Range | Throughout the temperate regions of the world, incl. most of NA; likely originates in n. India |
What is the life cycle of a Granary Weevil?
larvae feed on the endosperm, pass through four instars, and pupate inside the grain