INSECTS INJURIOUS TO MEATS 



293 



United States and is evidently on the increase. Prob- 

 ably many people would be inclined to look upon the 

 cigarette beetle as a beneficial insect, provided it con- 

 fined its injuries wholly to tobacco. Unfortunately, it is 

 turning its attention to various household food-stuffs and 

 is apparently gaining in importance as a household pest. 



The adult beetle (Fig. 99) resembles the drug-store 

 beetle in size and appearance and has very similar habits 

 as a household pest. It infests a 

 wide range of foods and condi- 

 ments. It has been reported as 

 infesting rice, figs, yeast cakes, 

 cayenne pepper, ginger, rhubarb, 

 and other similar materials. Two 

 bottles of red pepper infested with 

 either this insect or the drug- 

 store beetle repose on the desk 

 of the writer at this time, await- 

 ing the appearance of the adult. 



A more serious case of injury 

 is reported in Insect Life in which the beetles and larvae 

 were found feeding upon silk with which certain furniture 

 was upholstered. 



The beetle is a little more than one-sixteenth of an 

 inch in length. The head is bent under somewhat in 

 front, yet it is more prominent than it is in the drug-store 

 beetle. The wing covers are not striated and the segments 

 of the antennas are nearly of a uniform size. At least 

 the last three are not enlarged like those of the drug- 

 store beetle. The larva is rather thickly covered with 

 long hairs (Fig. 100). 



The insect multiplies rapidly and in the warmer 



Fig. 



99. — Cigarette beetle. 

 (X20.) 



