Contents
Description
Tribolium, commonly known as flour beetles, are small, reddish-brown insects that can be found in stored grain products, such as flour, rice, and cereals. They are a common household pest, and can infest pantries and cupboards if left unchecked. Tribolium beetles have a flattened body shape, and are about 3-4mm in length. They have six legs, and two antennae that are longer than their bodies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Coleoptera |
| Family | Tenebrionidae |
| Genus | Tribolium |
Appearance
Tribolium beetles are small, reddish-brown insects with a flattened body shape. They have six legs and two long antennae. The larvae are small, white, and worm-like, and can be found in infested grain products. Adult Tribolium beetles can fly short distances, but are not strong fliers. They are usually found crawling on surfaces, or hiding in crevices and cracks.
Care Guide
To prevent a Tribolium infestation, it is important to store grain products in airtight containers, and to clean pantry shelves and cupboards regularly. If an infestation occurs, it is best to discard any infested products, and to thoroughly clean the affected area.
Water
Tribolium beetles do not require any additional water, as they get all the moisture they need from the grain products they infest.
Fertilization
Tribolium beetles do not require any additional fertilization.
Soil
Tribolium beetles do not require soil, as they are not a plant.
Sunlight
Tribolium beetles do not require sunlight, as they prefer dark areas.
Hardiness Zones
Tribolium beetles can be found in most areas, as they do not require any specific climate or temperature.
Common Pests & Diseases
The main pests that commonly infest stored grain products are Tribolium beetles and other pantry pests such as weevils and moths. Infested products should be discarded immediately, and the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent further infestations.
Habitat
Tribolium beetles are commonly found in stored grain products, such as flour, rice, and cereals. They are also found in pet food, bird seed, and other similar products. They prefer dark, warm, and humid environments, and can multiply rapidly if left unchecked.
Question and Answer
Q: How do I prevent a Tribolium infestation?
A: To prevent a Tribolium infestation, store grain products in airtight containers, and clean pantry shelves and cupboards regularly.
Q: How can I get rid of Tribolium beetles?
A: Discard any infested products, and thoroughly clean the affected area. You can also use pheromone traps to catch adult beetles.
Q: Can Tribolium beetles fly?
A: Tribolium beetles can fly short distances, but are not strong fliers.
Q: Are Tribolium beetles harmful to humans?
A: Tribolium beetles are not harmful to humans, but can cause damage to stored grain products.
Related Plants
There are no related plants, as Tribolium beetles are not a plant.
References
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Pantry Pests: Beetles. UC IPM. https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/pantry-and-stored-food-pests/beetles/
- Penn State Extension. (n.d.). Stored Product Pests. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/stored-product-pests
- Michigan State University Extension. (2018, May 1). Pantry pests: Getting rid of flour beetles. Michigan State University Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/pantry_pests_getting_rid_of_flour_beetles
