Lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus
(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The lesser mealworm may become a pantry pest in damp situations. It feeds on damp or moldy grain, milled products and spoiled foods. It is found in food stores and homes. This species is also a major pest in poultry houses.

The adult is a black or very dark, reddish brown beetle about 5 to 6 mm long. The larvae is yellowish brown and resembles the young larvae of the true mealworms. The life cycle takes about 35 to 60 days to complete.

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Adult lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus.
(Photographer: L.J. Buss, University of Florida)

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Adult lesser mealworm, Alphitobius
diaperinus
.
(Photographer: J.C. Dunford, University
of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Adult lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus.
(Photographer: J.C. Dunford, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.



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