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Description
Tribolium Uniolae, commonly known as the Union Grain Beetle, is a species of small, red-brown beetle that belongs to the Tenebrionidae family. This beetle is a common pest in stored grain and flour and can cause significant damage to crops. The Tribolium Uniolae is native to North America but has spread to many other regions of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Coleoptera |
| Family | Tenebrionidae |
| Genus | Tribolium |
Appearance
The Tribolium Uniolae is a small, red-brown beetle that is approximately 3mm in length. The beetle has six legs and two antennae. The body of the beetle is elongated and slightly flattened. The Tribolium Uniolae has an oval-shaped head with large, compound eyes. The beetle’s wings are not functional and are covered by a hard shell. The Tribolium Uniolae is often mistaken for the red flour beetle, but it can be distinguished by the number of antennal segments. The Tribolium Uniolae has only four segments, while the red flour beetle has five.
Care Guide
The Tribolium Uniolae is a pest that can cause significant damage to stored grain and flour. Therefore, it is important to take measures to prevent infestations. Here are some care guidelines to follow:- Water: Stored grain and flour should be kept dry to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that can attract the Tribolium Uniolae.- Fertilization: The Tribolium Uniolae does not require fertilizer.- Soil: The Tribolium Uniolae does not live in soil.- Sunlight: The Tribolium Uniolae prefers dark, cool areas.- Hardiness Zones: The Tribolium Uniolae can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Tribolium Uniolae is a pest that can cause significant damage to stored grain and flour. It can also transmit diseases to humans and animals. Here are some common pests and diseases associated with the Tribolium Uniolae:- Stored grain pests: The Tribolium Uniolae is one of the most common pests found in stored grain and flour. It can cause significant damage to crops and reduce their quality.- Foodborne illness: The Tribolium Uniolae can transmit diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli to humans and animals through contaminated grain and flour.
Habitat
The Tribolium Uniolae is a pest that is commonly found in stored grain and flour. It can also be found in other food products such as nuts, dried fruits, and spices. The beetle prefers dark, cool areas with high humidity levels.
Question and Answer
Q: How can I prevent Tribolium Uniolae infestations in my stored grain and flour?A: Keep stored grain and flour dry and cool, and regularly inspect them for signs of infestation.Q: Can the Tribolium Uniolae transmit diseases to humans and animals?A: Yes, the beetle can transmit diseases such as Salmonella and E. coli through contaminated grain and flour.Q: What is the difference between the Tribolium Uniolae and the red flour beetle?A: The Tribolium Uniolae has four antennal segments, while the red flour beetle has five.Q: Is the Tribolium Uniolae a native species of North America?A: Yes, the beetle is native to North America.
Related Plants
– Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum)- Confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum)- Lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica)
References
– “Union Grain Beetle.” Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. https://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/union-grain-beetle- “Tribolium Uniolae.” BugGuide. https://bugguide.net/node/view/395366
