Alphitobius diaperinus

Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (32514044020)

Alphitobius diaperinus

Alphitobius diaperinus, commonly known as the lesser mealworm, is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae. It is a significant pest in poultry houses and other agricultural settings, where it feeds on stored grain and organic matter.

Description

Adult Alphitobius diaperinus beetles are small, measuring around 5-7 mm in length. They have dark brown to black bodies with distinct ridges running along their wing covers. The larvae are creamy white with a segmented body and feed voraciously on decaying organic material.

Habitat and Behavior

Alphitobius diaperinus is commonly found in warm, humid environments such as poultry houses, compost piles, and grain storage facilities. They are scavengers and feed on a variety of organic matter, including spilled feed, dead insects, and feces. Their presence can lead to contamination of poultry feed and the transmission of pathogens.

Control Measures

Effective control of Alphitobius diaperinus involves implementing good sanitation practices, such as removing spilled feed and maintaining clean poultry houses. Insecticides can also be used to manage infestations, although resistance to certain chemicals has been reported.

Importance

The lesser mealworm is considered a pest in the poultry industry due to its ability to damage stored grain and transmit diseases to poultry. Infestations can lead to economic losses and pose a health risk to both animals and humans.

See Also

• Darkling beetle
• Stored grain insect pests