INSECTS AFFECTING CEREALS, ETC. 



121 



THE SA^^^-TOOTHET) GRAIN BEETLE. 



(Silvanus snrinamensis Linn.) 



Taken all in all, this is perhaps the commonest insect that habitually 

 abides in groceries, and, excepting the so-called Croton bug, the one 

 most often found in the pantry. .Wherever anything edible is stored 

 this insect will be found. It is chiefly vegetarian, but is almost omniv- 

 oronSj and is especially fond of cereals and breadstufts, preserved fruits, 

 nuts, and seeds of various kinds. Among other commodities of the 

 household that are subject to its depredations may be mentioned yeast 

 cakes, mace, snuft", and red pepper. 



The mature beetles will feed upon sugar and have been reported in 

 starch, tobacco, and dried meats, but it is doubtful if the insect will 

 breed in such substances. The beetles or their larvie have the bad 



Fig. 59.— Silvanus surinamensas : a, beetle; b, pupa; c, larva — all enlarsred; <l. antenna of larva — 

 more enlarged (authors illustration). 



habit of x>erforating the paper bags in which flour and other comesti- 

 bles are kept. When ])resent in boxes of fruit — and they are very 

 sure to be there if the covers are left off thoughout the summer — there 

 may be no visible evidence of their presence until the bottom is reached, 

 but here they will be found in great numbers, and when disturbed 

 scamper off" in the greatest haste. This insect is almost invariably 

 present wherever the Indian meitl moth is found, and the list of the 

 food products that have been mentioned as subject to this moth's 

 attack will answer about equally well for the beetle. 



As an instance of unusual trouble caused by tliis insect may be 

 mentioned the case cited by Taschenberg of the beetles having invaded 

 sleeping apartments adjoining a brewery where stores were kept and 

 annoying the sleepers at night by nipping them in their beds. 



This beetle is a member of the family Cucujida'. It is only about 

 one-tenth of an inch long, slender, much flattened, and of a chocolate- 



