Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium
Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is one of the serious stored product insects. The beetle is often found in grain and food stores, in malt houses, seed processing plants, fodder production plants, dried milk factories, stores of packing materials (used or unused sacks, bags, crates) and kitchen pantries. This beetle originated from India and has become established in a number of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries. It has been accidentally introduced and subsequently successfully eradicated in the United States at huge cost.
Biology of Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium
Adult beetles are brownish and 2-3 mm long. Immature larvae are up to 5 mm long and are covered in dense, reddish-brown hair. The Khapra beetle development rates and survival varies depending on the host species, temperature, light, moisture, season, based on these factors there can be from one to nine generations per year. Adult longevity is between 12-25 days and females lay between 50-100 eggs. Larval development usually takes 4-6 weeks. The pupal stage lasts 2-5 days and quiescent adult stage 1-2 days. The larval stage however, can last from a month to a year, if it enters diapause. Also they are capable of surviving without food for a period of several years. The beetle occurs in hot, dry conditions, predictably in areas, which, for at least 4 months of the year, have a mean temperature greater than 20°C and an RH below 50%.
Nature of Damage of Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium
Khapra beetles attack stored grain, it causes significant weight loss and in case of seeds it may lead to significant reduction in seed viability. The larvae are voracious feeders on grains and seeds as well as processed vegetable and animal products including spices, herbs, nuts and dried fruits. Seed weight loss can be between 5-30% in sometimes in extreme cases 70%. Severe infestation may cause unfavourable changes in chemical composition. Young larvae feed on damaged seed, while older larvae are able to feed on whole grains. The Khapra beetle can damage dry commodities of animal origin. Non-Khapra beetle countries enforce quarantine restrictions on the imported commodities from Khapra beetle countries. This species has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders.
Pheromone for Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium
Russell IPM manufactures and supplies pheromone lure, traps and complete monitoring systems for Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium. Pheromone trap provides early warning and alters the pest controller before Khapra Beetle infestation become serious. Russell IPM offers safe store Khapra Beetle trap.