Khapra Beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

A very serious pest of stored grain, khapra beetle has been the target of many successful eradication efforts in regions of the world where it does not naturally occur. Generally, it thrives in warm dry regions. It is found in northern and central Africa, the Middle East, and east through India to Myanmar. It is generally absent from Europe, though there are a few localized infestations. Presently it is absent from the western hemisphere, Australia, and New Zealand.

The life cycle can be as short as 35 days at about 34°C, but is nearly 150 days long when reared at 10°C. As many as 12 generations are reported annually in India. The adults are short-lived, seldom living more that 10–12 days. Mating occurs immediately at high temperatures but may require several days at cooler temperatures.

After a short pre-oviposition period, females (Fig. 4) deposit up to100 eggs, but mean fecundity is about 35 eggs. The eggs are cylindrical, with one end rather pointed and bearing spine-like...