A to Z of Pests

Confused Flour Beetle

Tribolium confusum

Appearance

• Adult — 3–4mm in length. Eyes are wider apart (as seen from the underside) than T. castaneum (below). Antennae broaden gradually to the tip. Red–brown in colour.
• Larva — Whitish to yellow–brown, 1 – 5mm long. 3 pairs of legs and active. Moults 7–8 times. Preference for clean flour. Pupates in foodstuffs.

Lifecycle

• About 20 days at 35°C, 45 days at 25°C. Adults may live for up to 6 months.

Habits