Page 60 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

CIGARETTE BEETLE & DRUGSTORE BEETLE CIGARETTE BEETLE IN PAPRIKA

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- saw-like 6.Thorax CIGARETTE BEETLE
2 . E y e s 7 . P e t i o l e - n o n e 1 8
3.Head 8.Abdomen- humpbacked
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- reddish to brown
5.Wings- covered by elytra 10.Other
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on and around the infested products, and hatch in about a
week or so. The larva goes through 4-6 instars, the pupa is encased in
a silken cocoon. The whole life cycle can be completed in 40-50 days, 4
with 3-6 generations produced each year.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
CIGARETTE BEETLE Actual size 1/8”
The Cigarette Beetle is similar to the Drug Store Beetle--it has a short body with a large shield
covering the head. These light brown beetles are only about 1/10th inch in size. Some people
incorrectly refer to them as “weevils” as they may infest dried food products, but as their name
suggests, they are a serious pest to tobacco products. They may also burrow into books when
they are still in larvae form, and occasionally get into upholstery.

1.Antenna- 3 segmented,clubbed 6.Thorax DRUGSTORE BEETLE
2.Eyes 7.Petiole- none
3.Head 8.Abdomen- humpbacked 8
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- reddish to brown 1
5.Wings- has pitted wing covers 10.Other

Life Cycle
The female lays eggs among the infested products, and about a week
later they hatch. The larva goes through 4-6 instars over a 4-5 month
period before becoming a pupa, encased in a silken cocoon. The
pupal stage lasts 12-18 days. From 1-4 generations can be produced 4
each year. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

DRUG STORE BEETLE
Actual size 1/8”
The Drug Store Beetle has a large shield that protects its head, and a small body, usually less
than 1/8th inch in total length. It infests dried food products, spices, wool, and is often incorrect-
ly referred to as a “weevil.” The larvae may also burrow into paper products, especially books.
Occasionally they are found in upholstery.

The Drug Store Beetle is considered a pantry pest, but can also spread human tapeworms.
They are an intermediate host, and contaminate corn meal and flour when undercooked, which
can then spread the tapeworms to humans.

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