Khapra beetle

Khapra beetle
Adult Khapra beetle
Larvae of Trogoderma granarium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Dermestidae
Genus: Trogoderma
Species:
T. granarium
Binomial name
Trogoderma granarium
Everts, 1898

The khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium), also called cabinet beetle,[1] which originated in South Asia, is one of the world's most destructive pests of grain products and seeds.[2] It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world.[3] Infestations are difficult to control because of the insect's ability to survive without food for long periods, its preference for dry conditions and low-moisture food, and its resistance to many insecticides.[3] There is a federal quarantine restricting the importation of rice into the U.S. from countries with known infestations of the beetle.[4] Khapra beetle infestation can spoil otherwise valuable trade goods and threaten significant economic losses if introduced to a new area. Handling or consuming contaminated grain and seed products can lead to health issues such as skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress.[5]

  1. ^ "How to Get Rid of Cabinet Beetles | MyGetRidOfGuide.com". Archived from the original on 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2012-09-08.
  2. ^ Stibick, J. (2007) New Pest Response Guidelines: Khapra Beetle Archived 2008-09-20 at the Wayback Machine APHIS–PPQ–Emergency and Domestic Programs, United States Department of Agriculture, Riverdale, Maryland, p. 1-1
  3. ^ a b University of Florida Food & Agricultural Services
  4. ^ Staff report (23 August 2011). "'Most feared' pest found in shipment at O'Hare". chicagotribune.com.
  5. ^ Canadian Food Inspection Agency Trogoderma Granarium Factsheet (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-invasive-species/insects/khapra-beetle/fact-sheet/eng/1328541793480/1328541924086)