Appearance:

A slim beetle of 3-4 mm length, of uniform red-brown to black color. Remark to T. confusum: the segments of the antennae gradually broaden towards the tip.

Remark to T. castaneum*: the antennae end in three-segmented clubs. The slim, freely-mobile larvae are whitish to yellow-brown and grow to 5-6 mm in length.

Life History:

The eggs, which are laid loosely on the stored product, are not readily discernible; the female deposits eggs for a period which can exceed 1 year, 350400 eggs on average. The total development period is 7-12 weeks, depending on temperature; the larvae pupate loosely in the infested goods. Sensitive to cold; high humidity favors development. The beetles seldom fly, and can live more than 3 years.

Distribution:

All parts of the world; in cooler climates, restricted to warm storages.

Damage:

Beetles and larvae feed on a very wide variety of dry vegetable substances, for example, milled cereal products, groundnuts, coca beans, legumes, spices, dried fruits, tapioca, oilseed cake, etc. A frequent mill pest; badly infested flour has a sharp odor and turns brown; its baking properties are damaged. This pest can also attack undamaged wheat kernels.