Which insect is damaging at both the adult and larvae stages in stored grain?

Which insect is damaging at both the adult and larvae stages in stored grain?

• A. Rice weevil
• B. Drug store beetle
• C. Indian meal moth
• D. Cigarette beetle

Answer: (A)

The rice weevil stands out as a significant pest in stored grain because it causes damage at both the adult and larvae stages. Adult rice weevils are known for their ability to penetrate grains, laying eggs inside them. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae continue to develop inside the grain kernels, consuming them as they grow. This dual-stage infestation leads to severe degradation of grain quality and can result in considerable economic loss for grain storage facilities. In contrast, while other insects listed may also cause damage to stored grains, they typically do not have the same level of impact at both life stages. For instance, the drug store beetle primarily causes damage as an adult and may not have a similar effect as larvae on grain itself. The Indian meal moth's larvae are the primary damaging stage, as they consume grains externally and produce webbing, but the adult moths do not feed on the grain. Similarly, the cigarette beetle's larvae feed primarily on stored tobacco and also have limited impact while in the pupal or adult stage. Thus, the rice weevil is specifically notable for its comprehensive damage throughout its lifecycle in stored grains.

The rice weevil stands out as a significant pest in stored grain because it causes damage at both the adult and larvae stages. Adult rice weevils are known for their ability to penetrate grains, laying eggs inside them. Once these eggs hatch, the larvae continue to develop inside the grain kernels, consuming them as they grow. This dual-stage infestation leads to severe degradation of grain quality and can result in considerable economic loss for grain storage facilities.

In contrast, while other insects listed may also cause damage to stored grains, they typically do not have the same level of impact at both life stages. For instance, the drug store beetle primarily causes damage as an adult and may not have a similar effect as larvae on grain itself. The Indian meal moth's larvae are the primary damaging stage, as they consume grains externally and produce webbing, but the adult moths do not feed on the grain. Similarly, the cigarette beetle's larvae feed primarily on stored tobacco and also have limited impact while in the pupal or adult stage. Thus, the rice weevil is specifically notable for its comprehensive damage throughout its lifecycle in stored grains.