Insect of the Month: Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne)
Packages and food products infested with cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne) usually have shot holes where adults have emerged from pupation. Adults and larvae cause damage. Adults are excellent fliers and are attracted to lights.
Cigarette beetles are commonly found in tobacco and other processed foods such as spices, flour, meal, and dog food, but can also attack horn, wool, hair, hide, pharmaceuticals, and even book bindings. It is a common household pest.
What do cigarette beetles look like?
Adults: Light brown, 2-3 mm (0.09 inches) long. The elytra (hardened wing covers) are smooth and not striated (rows of pits). The antennal segments are finely serrated (toothed) to the tips.
Eggs: Not readily visible without magnification. Eggs are slightly oval in shape, whitish in color, satin to glossy sheen, and approximately 0.2-0.5 mm (0.019 inches) long.
Larvae: Creamy white, C- shaped, very hairy, with a large distinct head, and three pairs of thoracic legs.
Pupae: Pupal cases are whitish; pupal chambers are created within food material.
What is the cigarette beetle life cycle?
The female beetle will lay up to 100 eggs during a 2-4-week life span. Larvae will tunnel through the food product for about 4-5 weeks. The average life cycle will take 6-8 weeks depending on humidity and temperature. Cigarette beetles are excellent flyers and are most active in the late afternoons. It can only survive in warm buildings in temperate regions.
Monitoring Guidelines for Cigarette Beetle (Lasioderma serricorne)
Click on the image or insect name above to view monitoring guidelines for Cigarette beetles. These guidelines include details on cigarette beetle Description, Lifecycle, Damage and Detection, Corresponding Products, Fun Facts, and more!
Cigarette Beetle Pest Solutions
Related Insect and Pheromone Posts
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