Habitat

World-wide distribution with a preference for temperate climates. Cosmopolitan in choice of habitat, infesting all manner of commodities in both commercial and domestic food stores. Life cycle may be completed inside the food commodity. High potential for cross infestation due to ability to fly.

Biology

Complete metamorphosis life cycle. Larvae are voracious feeders, quite able to chew through almost all forms of packaging. Humidity limits of 10% and 70% define limiting factors. Closely related to Woodworm and Tobacco / Cigarette Beetles (Anobiidae) which it closely resembles. Only able to complete one life cycle per year below optimum conditions.

Stegobium paniceum

Insecta     Coleoptera    Anobiidae

Image Copyright - Aventis Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental Science.

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Pest Status

May attack not only foodstuffs but leather, hide, paper and other manufactured goods. Documented as able to eat through almost all packaging including metal. Wide distribution, ability to fly and omnivorous nature make this species a significant commercial and domestic pest.

Control

Location and elimination of source are recommended. Stock rotation and Quarantine of incoming goods are important considerations. Fumigation and Residual treatments may be necessary in many industrial situations, subject to local pesticides regulations. Monitoring strategies may be used to increase targeting efficiency.