THE LONG-HEADED FLOUR BEETLE. 
(Latheticus oryze Waterh.) 
By F. H. Currrenpen, $c. D. 
In Charge of Truck Crop and Stored Product Insect Investigations. 
INTRODUCTORY. 
The long-headed flour beetle (Latheticus oryze Waterh.), one of our 
most strongly marked flour beetles, was noticed affecting stored rice 
prior to 1880, but no description was given until that year, when it was 
recorded by its describer as occurring in rice from Calcutta and else- 
where, including England. It was also known at that time from 
Arabia.!. In following years it received notice at times on account 
of its graminivorous habits. 
Quite recently it has been introduced into the United States, being 
thus far found in Texas, where it is established, and in Michigan, 
where a similar establishment seems probable. Since the species in 
question bids fair to become a pest in time, occasion is taken to fur- 
nish an account for the benefit of American entomologists, millers, 
and others, together with an illustration, and to point out the char- 
acters which separate the species from other forms of flour beetles 
previously recorded and described as occurring injuriously within 
our borders. 
DESCRIPTIVE. 
This insect may be readily separated from other flour beetles by 
several characters, especially by the curious antenne (see fig. 5). 
The head protrudes far beyond the eyes, and behind each eye is a 
minute but distinct canthus, such as we see in the genus Silvanus. 
It is the slenderest and the palest of the flour beetles. Its color is 
pale yellow, and it measures less than one-eighth of an inch (2.5—2.75 
mm.) in length. 
Before proceeding to the specific description Waterhouse’s definition 
of the genus is repeated: 
Genus LATHETICUS Waterhouse. 
General form of Tribolium. Mentum transverse, the anterior angles rounded, 
the front margin gently emarginate in the middle, the ligula not much projecting, 
transverse, emarginate in the middle; the labial palpi short, the apical joint very 
large, one third longer than broad, subparallel (but narrowed at the base), truncate 
at the apex. The inner lobe of the maxille terminating in a very slender, acute hook, 
with a broad fringe within; the outer lobe slender, terminating with curved stiff hairs; 
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