MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE

MERCHANT GRAIN BEETLE
The Merchant Grain Beetle is similar in appearance to the Sawtooth Grain Beetle, with the most noticeable difference that it has a swelling on the head behind the eye. Both have elongated bodies. It is about 1/8th inch in size, and brown colored. It infests just about any type of dried food product, especially cereals, but also grains, nuts, coconut, and candy bars.

Life Cycle
The female lays hundreds of eggs over several months, which hatch in about two weeks. Larvae go through several molts, forming a cocoon. The Merchant Grain beetle will go through its life cycle in as few as 30-40 days.