Khapra Beetle  

Taxonomy

Trogoderma granarium

Abbreviation: KhB

Distribution

Khapra beetle is present in: Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, Asia, India, and Africa. The pest has presence in Asia, Europe, and southern Africa.

Affected Commodities

Khapra beetle is a pest of the following plants: hosts include but are not limited to grains (barley, corn, oats, and wheat), dried seeds (alfalfa, cotton seed, cotton meal and cake, flax seed, safflower seed, sorghum seed, soya bean meals, soybeans, pinto beans, rice, and black eyed peas), nuts (pecan, acorns, walnuts, and pistachio), used bags (burlap and cotton), processed products (dried milk, dried blood, meat and meat bone meal, and dried animal hides), and stored agricultural products including spices, grains, and packaged foods. 

Commodity Damage

Evidence of khapra beetle damage or presence includes: spent casings. The grain kernels are often hollowed out leaving nothing but the husk behind. 

Port Inspections

CBP Agriculture Specialists, please refer to manuals for general inspection guidelines. When performing inspections, examine the commodity, means of conveyance, and the packaging material (including used burlap bags) for cast skins, larvae, or adults. 

These beetles can be detected by examining cracks and crevices and inspecting paneling on walls and under timbers, tanks or shelves.

Khapra beetle adult:

• The adult beetle is reddish-brown and may or may not have darker brown markings. They are oval in shape and about 2–3 mm in length. The dorsal surface is moderately covered in fine hairs and they have fairly distinct club-like antennae.

Khapra beetle larvae:

• The larvae of T. granarium are very hairy. They have a posterior segment that projects out like a tail. They are generally 2–5 mm in length.

For additional information:

• USDA Hungry Pests: khapra beetle