Warehouse Beetle
Trogoderma variabile
This record describes Trogoderma variabile (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sexual dimorphism: antennal club 6- or 7-segmented in males, 4-segmented in females minor pest in Canada; in other parts of the world (incl. Europe) may be a major/serious pest of stored products (esp. seeds, cereals, legumes, nuts, and other high-protein food)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Megatominae
- Tribe
- Megatomini
- Genus
- Trogoderma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Canada: flour/feed mills, warehouses, dwellings, occasionally granaries ; prefers animal feed, whole kernels of barley and wheat, noodles, oatmeal, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, but may also infest dead animals, candy, cocoa, corn/fish meal, flour, nut meats, and dried spices; bee nests outdoors in Russia
Geographic Range
probably indigenous to central Asia but now found in many parts of the world ; transcontinental in NA ; considered adventive in Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: in Europe, wheat any dry vegetal and animal stored products ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trogoderma variabile Ballion 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trogoderma variabile. 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 Warehouse Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Warehouse Beetle
What is Warehouse Beetle?
Warehouse Beetle (Trogoderma variabile) is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Warehouse Beetle?
Sexual dimorphism: antennal club 6- or 7-segmented in males, 4-segmented in females
Where is Warehouse Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Canada: flour/feed mills, warehouses, dwellings, occasionally granaries ; prefers animal feed, whole kernels of barley and wheat, noodles, oatmeal, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, but may also infest dead animals, candy, cocoa, corn/fish meal, flour, nut meats, and dried spices; bee nests outdoors in Russia |
| Range | probably indigenous to central Asia but now found in many parts of the world ; transcontinental in NA ; considered adventive in Europe |
What does Warehouse Beetle eat?
The diet of the Warehouse Beetle includes in Europe, wheat any dry vegetal and animal stored products ( 4 ).