Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is a serious pest of stored grain and dry foodstuffs worldwide.
It can cause losses of up to 75% from direct feeding. Infested grain also becomes contaminated with beetles, cast skins and hairs from larvae, which can be a health risk and are difficult to remove from grain storage structures and transport vessels. This beetle is not present in Australia and poses a major threat to Australia’s grains industry
Khapra beetle adults are small (2-3 mm long and 1-2 mm wide), brownish in colour with a smooth oval shaped body. There are 3 transverse bands (markings) of pale colour hairs on the wing covers. Eggs hatch into small hairy larvae that can grow up to 7 mm long, are reddish brown in colour and darken as they mature. Larvae have characteristic long hairs all over their body, especially at the rear end and can survive without food for over 12 months.
Khapra beetle is almost identical to the warehouse beetle, which is established in Australia, and some closely related native beetle species. If you find any beetle or hairy larvae fitting the description of the khapra beetle, have it identified by an expert.
As khapra beetle is a stored grain pest it will only be found in stored products and around places where stored products are kept or transported. It can also be found between cracks and wall linings of storage containers. It will not be present in the field.
When examining grain samples, characteristic hairy larvae and cast skins are the most likely stage that will be seen.
Khapra beetles are spread through the movement of stored grain and products or as contamination of seed, machinery and straw.
They may also “hitchhike” on the packaging of imported products and shipping containers so it’s important to check all packaging and containers bought on-farm for storage.
Khapra beetle is native to India, but has spread to many parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. A full list of target risk countries can be found on the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Check your stored grain and storage facilities frequently for the presence of new pests and unusual damage symptoms. Good hygiene measures around storage facilities, including cleaning up spillages, reduces the risk of storage pest infestations. Make sure you are familiar with common grain pests so you can tell if you see something different.
If you see anything unusual, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Check your stored grain and storage facilities frequently for the presence of new pests and unusual damage symptoms. Good hygiene measures around storage facilities, including cleaning up spillages, reduces the risk of storage pest infestations. Make sure you are familiar with common grain pests so you can tell if you see something different.
If you see anything unusual, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.