(Cryptolestes ferrugineus)
Biology:
The flat beetle is only about 2 mm long, very flat and has a reddish-brown color. In contrast to the grain beetle, the pronotum is not equipped with denticles, but has parallel longitudinal lines on both lateral edges. Its way of life and development are comparable to those of the cereal leaf beetle.
The beetle is also common in northern latitudes due to its resistance to cold, and overwintering in unheated storage is possible.
Damage:
The damage caused by the red-brown lath beetle is comparable to that of the cereal leaf beetle.
The species is often found in large numbers in all types of grain, but also on grain products, dried fruit, peanut kernels and expeller. The larvae feed on the seedlings and endosperm of the grains; wheat in particular is infested.
During mass propagation, the temperature in the grain rises sharply in nests.
