Merchant Grain Beetle

Oryzaephilus mercator

Appearance

•   Adults 2.5mm
•   Flattened and reddish-brown.
•   6 saw-like projections on each side of the thorax.

Lifecycle

•  The female lays an average of 200 eggs over 28 to 42 days; either singly or in small batches. The eggs are white, microscopic, and elongated.
•  They require approximately 35 days to complete the life cycle with adults living on average 10 months.
•  There may be as many a seven generations per year under warm conditions with less throughout the winter months.

Habits

•  Food sources that have a high oil content such as nuts.
•  Can penetrate tightly sealed food packaging.