Khapra beetle
Encyclopedia
The Khapra beetle which originated in South Asia
, is one of the world’s most destructive pests of grain products and seeds. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species
in the world. Infestations are difficult to control because of the insect's ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides. There is a federal quarantine restricting the importation of rice into the U.S,. from countries with known infestations of the beetle.
and has become established in a number of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries. It has also been discovered in North America. Scientists have discovered it in Chicago.> Customs specialists have intercepted the beetle 100 times in 2011, "compared to three to six per year in 2005 and 2006, and averaging about 15 per year from 2007 to 2009."
The beetle prefers hot, dry conditions and can be found in areas where grain and other potential food is stored, such as pantries
, malthouse
s, grain and fodder processing plants, and stores of used grain sacks or crates.
has been used to control the beetle in wheat
stores in India.. Note that neem powder repels many insects with a strong odor, but generally does not kill them.
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
, is one of the world’s most destructive pests of grain products and seeds. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
in the world. Infestations are difficult to control because of the insect's ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides. There is a federal quarantine restricting the importation of rice into the U.S,. from countries with known infestations of the beetle.
Description of the insect
Adult beetles are brownish and 2 to 3 millimetres long. Immature larvae are up to 5 millimeters long and are covered in dense, reddish-brown hair. The eggs of the khapra beetle are cylindrical with one end more rounded and the other more pointed, about 0.7 mm long and 0.25 mm broad, weighing about 0.02 mg. The pointy end has a number of spine-like projections. The eggs are initially a milky white but over several hours turn a pale yellowish color.Extent of global spread
The khapra beetle is native to IndiaIndia
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and has become established in a number of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries. It has also been discovered in North America. Scientists have discovered it in Chicago.> Customs specialists have intercepted the beetle 100 times in 2011, "compared to three to six per year in 2005 and 2006, and averaging about 15 per year from 2007 to 2009."
The beetle prefers hot, dry conditions and can be found in areas where grain and other potential food is stored, such as pantries
Pantry
A pantry is a room where food, provisions or dishes are stored and served in an ancillary capacity to the kitchen. The derivation of the word is from the same source as the Old French term paneterie; that is from pain, the French form of the Latin panis for bread.In a late medieval hall, there were...
, malthouse
Malthouse
A malt house, or maltings, is a building where cereal grain is converted into malt by soaking it in water, allowing it to sprout and then drying it to stop further growth. The malt is used in brewing beer, whisky and in certain foods. The traditional malt house was largely phased out during the...
s, grain and fodder processing plants, and stores of used grain sacks or crates.
Chemical control
Fumigation with methyl bromide is the most effective treatment. Powdered neemNeem
Azadirachta indica is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil...
has been used to control the beetle in wheat
Wheat
Wheat is a cereal grain, originally from the Levant region of the Near East, but now cultivated worldwide. In 2007 world production of wheat was 607 million tons, making it the third most-produced cereal after maize and rice...
stores in India.. Note that neem powder repels many insects with a strong odor, but generally does not kill them.
External links
- Dermestidae of the World Habitus of male and female, genitalia of male.
- Khapra beetle at Pestproducts.com
- PestTracker Invasive Insect: Khapra beetle at Center for Environmental and Regulatory Information Systems