Facts of a Beetles & Weevils Life

Reproductive Behaviour

Both Beetles and Weevils have four stages of distinction within its life cycle which are the Egg, the Larvae, the Pupae and an Adult. All stages of a beetle’s and weevil’s life cycle are generally located in the areas where that particular species tends to thrive on its preferred diet which are kitchens(industrial/domestic), food storage areas (silos/grain stores), fabricated areas (carpets/rugs/clothes), storage areas (food/lofts/cellars), building materials (wood/plaster boards), furniture, wooden decor and paper.

The following is a list of birth rates for female beetles and weevils which spans over a life cycle:

  • Variegated Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) – lay up to 100 eggs on a larval food source, such as fabric or bedding. Larvae development duration takes approx 10-30 days.
  • Fur Beetle (Attagenus Pellio) – lay up to 100 eggs on a larval food source, such as fabric or bedding. In larvae form they go through 5-6 moults and development duration takes approx 6 months.
  • Biscuit Beetle (Stegobium paniceum) – lay up to 60 eggs on a larval food source, such as fabric or bedding. Development duration takes approx 1-2 weeks and adults live for 3-4 weeks.
  • Wood-Boring Weevil (Pentarthrum Huttoni) – take around 6-8 months to develop from the larvae into pupae form with adults emerging from wooden materials 2-3 weeks later.
Silverfish, Mites & Spiders

Identifying a Infestation

There are generally three ways of identifying a beetle & Weevil infestation which are listed below:

Physical Sightings

The easiest way of determining an infestation is multiple or continuous internal Sightings of Beetles or Weevils and their Larvae. Its best advised not to dismiss an infestation just because only some were sighted. A thorough check should be carried out by if not yourself, than a specialist.

Damaged Surroundings

Internally, this may be in the form of exposed fabrics, woods, wall plaster, foodstuffs and papers. Damage may resemble Patches, Small Circles, Material Dust and Packaging as Confetti Form. The pest may be present whilst foraging certifying the infestation.

Skin Sheds

The exoskeletons of beetles and weevils may be present after one or many have shed due to a process of maturity. These are transparent husks which resemble their shape, colour and design which may be discarded in habitual locations.

Identifying Beetles & Weevils

The physical appearance of Beetles and Weevils is one of a six legged insect with short antennae and three sections to their body. They will vary in colour and size depending on species and sex. The major physical difference between the two species is the Snout, which is a long beak like structure present only on weevils.

Below are the most common beetles/weevils found in a domestic premises:

  • Variegated Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) – These are 2-4mm in size, light brown and black with mottled patches of white. Both adults and larvae can be found on carpets, fabrics and windowsills as they are drawn to light. Others associated with consuming fabricated materials are the
    • Common Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus Scrophulariae) / Furniture Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus Flavipes),
    • Plaster Beetle (Lathridiidae) / Fungus Beetle (Mycetophagidae),
  •  Fur Beetle (Attagenus Pellio) – These are 5mm in length, black in colour with two white dots on either side of their back. They commonly reside in and feed from dry birds nests though may be found within dwelling areas of a premises. Others associated with storage spaces are the
    • Australian Spider Beetle (Ptinus tectus) / Golden Spider Beetle (Niptus hololeucus),
    • Yellow Mealworm Beetle (Tenebrio Molitor),
  •  Biscuit Beetle (Stegobium paniceum) – These are 2-3mm in size, reddish brown in colour with a humped mid-section (not to be confused with furniture beetle) and are capable of flight. Both adults and larvae can be found in food storage areas or amongst old stock and are frequently found in pantries. Others associated with consuming domestic storage foods are the
    • Grain Weevil (Sitophilus Granarius) – Merchant Grain Beetle (Oryzaephilus Mercator),
    • Larder Beetle (Dermestidae) – Red Rust Floor Beetle (Tribolium Castaneum),
    • Dried Fruit Beetles (Carpophilus Hemipterus – Carpophilus Dimidiatus),
  •  Wood-Boring Weevil (Pentarthrum Huttoni / Euophryum Confine) – These are 2.5 – 4.5mm in size, dark brown in colour with a rounded body and long snout which the antennae emerge from. Others associated with consuming wooden materials are the
    • Common Furniture Beetle (Anobium Punctatum) / Death Watch Beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum),
  •  Ladybird Beetles (Coccinellidae) – These are a widespread family of small beetles ranging from 0.8 -18mm in length. They have a variety of colours including yellow, orange, or red with small black spots on their wing covers (however such colour patterns will vary). These are not a wood boring beetle nor do they damage or seek to contaminate foodstuffs but they may mass congregate within a premises and become a general nuisance to occupants.