Which stage of the Drug store beetle is known to cause harm in stored grains?

Which stage of the Drug store beetle is known to cause harm in stored grains?

• A. Eggs
• B. Larvae
• C. Both Adult and Larvae
• D. Adults

Answer: (C)

The larvae of the Drug store beetle are the primary stage that causes significant harm to stored grains. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the grains, damaging them as they grow. They have strong mandibles that allow them to burrow into the grain and consume it, leading to potential losses in both quantity and quality of the stored products. Adults can also contribute to the damage, as they can chew through packaging to access the grains, and they can produce eggs that eventually lead to larvae. However, it is the feeding activities of the larvae that result in the most destructive damage to the stored grains. Recognizing that both the larvae and adults play a role in the lifecycle and damage potential of this pest helps in formulating effective pest control strategies. Thus, the correct answer highlights the fact that both the adults, through their reproductive role, and the larvae, through their direct feeding, contribute to the harm in stored grains.

The larvae of the Drug store beetle are the primary stage that causes significant harm to stored grains. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the grains, damaging them as they grow. They have strong mandibles that allow them to burrow into the grain and consume it, leading to potential losses in both quantity and quality of the stored products.

Adults can also contribute to the damage, as they can chew through packaging to access the grains, and they can produce eggs that eventually lead to larvae. However, it is the feeding activities of the larvae that result in the most destructive damage to the stored grains. Recognizing that both the larvae and adults play a role in the lifecycle and damage potential of this pest helps in formulating effective pest control strategies. Thus, the correct answer highlights the fact that both the adults, through their reproductive role, and the larvae, through their direct feeding, contribute to the harm in stored grains.