Beetle Identification Guide
Beetles-General
Beetles are the group of insects with the largest number of known species. They are classified in the order Coleoptera, which contains more described species than in any other order in the animal kingdom, constituting about 25% of all known life forms. About 40% of all described insect species are beetles and new species are frequently discovered. Beetles can be found in almost all habitats, but are not known to occur in the sea or the polar regions. They often feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are the prey to various animals including birds and mammals. Certain species are agricultural pests, while other species of beetles are important controls of agricultural pests.
Pest Facts: Merchant Grain Beetles
Description
Merchant grain beetles are typically not found in grain products, but instead like to attack cereals, cake mixes, macaroni, cookies, and chocolate. Merchant grain beetles are dark brown and have six saw-like teeth on each side of their bodies. They can grow to be one-eighth of an inch long and have very flat bodies.
Pest Facts:
Color: Brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Narrow oval
Size: 1/10 inches
Antennae: Yes
Flying: Can fly and be drawn to light
Region: All 50 States
Habits: The merchant grain beetle’s body shape allows it to crawl into the packaging to eat, live and place eggs.
Habitat: Merchant grain beetles are found in pantries or food processing areas or warehouses.
Threats: Merchant grain beetles can infest stored food products and can contaminate food.
Prevention: Discard infested packages. Clean spilled grain and food sources.
Pest Facts: Powderpost Beetles
Description
Powderpost beetles lay their eggs in cracks of wood and the larvae tunnel into the surface, filling it with a very fine powder-like dust. Powderpost beetles have long, narrow, flat bodies that allow them to easily attack wood surfaces. These beetles are reddish-brown.
Pest Facts:
Color: Reddish-Brown to Black
Legs: Six
Shape: Narrow oval
Size: 1/8 to 1/4 inches
Antennae: Yes
Flying: Yes
Region: All 50 States
- There are several hundred species of these, but fewer than 20 are widespread.
- Are small, between one-tenth and one-third inch in length and usually are reddish brown in color.
- Can emerge from wood used in construction from one to 10 years after a structure has been built.
- Usually emerge in the spring.
- Are most likely to be found in softwoods (pine, spruce, fir) or certain hardwoods (oak, maple) frequently used for construction, including wood used in log homes, conventional homes and furniture.
- Are attracted to lights or to windows.
- Live between one and two years.
- Burrow small, one-eighth inch round holes in wood, and larvae create channels where they have chewed their way through. There is usually a fine sawdust-like powder streaming from exit holes.
Habits: Adult powderpost beetles are very active at night, enjoy flying, and are attracted to the light.
Habitat: Powderpost beetles often attack hardwoods and can be found in hardwood floors, timbers and crates, antiques, and other objects made of hardwood materials.
Threats: Some researchers believe that powderpost beetles are second only to termites in the United States in their destructiveness to wood and wood products.
Prevention: Powderpost beetles can be prevented through vigilant inspection of wood sources in the home.
Pest Facts: Varied Carpet Beetles
Description
Varied carpet beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces.
Pest Facts:
Color: Black centers, with white, brown, and yellow patches in an irregular arrangement.
Legs: Six
Shape: Round
Size: 1/16 inches
Antennae: Yes
Flying: Yes
Region: All 50 States
Habits: These pests enjoy dining on carpets, woolen fabrics, dead insects, furs, hides, feathers, horns, hair, silk, and bones. It can take 249-354 days to three years for varied carpet beetles to grow from an egg to an adult.
Habitat: Varied carpet beetles are found in homes in attics, Oriental carpets, tapestries, and wood-based wall-to-wall carpeting.
Threats: Varied carpet beetles feed on dead insects, but also feed on upholstery and carpet, so they can damage those materials. They can also damage clothing fabric.
Prevention: As with moths, to avoid varied carpet beetle infestations, store clothing in plastic containers. Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing it for long periods.