Confused flour beetle

(Tribolium confusum)

Adult: 3–4 mm
Larva: 7–8 mm

Identification marks

The adult beetles are red-brown in colour and similar to the destructive flour beetles, but slightly smaller in size.

The larvae are light yellow in colour and cylinder-shaped. Due to the jutting appendages at the end of their bodies, the larvae are similar to the larvae of the destructive flour beetle.

Occurrence

Rarely seen in apartments. The confused flour beetle is transported into mills and bakeries with grains.

Damage

In addition to grain products, the insect may destroy dried fruits, spices and chocolate.

Prevention and extermination

Link to the extermination section

Bread beetle (Drugstore beetle)

(Stegobium paniceum)

Adult: 3 mm
Larva:  3 mm

Identification marks

An adult drugstore beetle is russet brown in colour and has thick hair.

The larva is light in colour and the end of its body is curved.

Occurrence

The drugstore beetle mainly travels to Finland with spices and drugs. It may also occur in grain products. It rarely spreads into indoor premises.

Damage

The drugstore beetle is a pest in bakeries and spice storages.

Prevention and extermination

Link to the exterminatin section

American wasp beetle

(Reesa vespulae)

Adult: 2–4 mm
Larva: 4–5 mm

Identification marks

Narrow and oval, dark brown, has a yellowish horizontal line on the front part of the elytrons. Its surface is covered by black or yellow-brown hair.

The larva is gold-brown in colour and hairy. The end of its body has a tuft of hair.

Occurrence

Can be found in dry food in a kitchen, mattresses and clothing.

Damage

May cause serious damage in stored seeds and in the plant and insect collections of museums.

Prevention and extermination

Link to the extermination section