LESSER MEALWORM / LITTER BEETLE

LESSER MEALWORM
The Lesser Mealworm is the larvae of the Litter Beetle. They move into housing areas from fields where infested manure has been spread, attracted by the lights. Once inside, they will get into pantry products—especially flour and other grain products. They will also infest seeds and nuts, tobacco, peas, and beans. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are especially active at dusk and at night.
The Lesser Mealworm/Litter Beetle is a vector of many diseases and parasites, and is considered dangerous for both humans and poultry that are exposed to an infestation. They are known to spread viruses, diseases, flu, ulcers of the eye, intestinal lesions, allergies, and the vapors they produce are suspected as carcinogens. Larvae and adults are found in manure, especially at poultry farms. They are also found in caves (especially where bat droppings are present), bird nests, and rodent nests. The larvae will also feed on dead or sick bats, birds, and even other mealworms.
The mealworms can cause structural damage at times, chewing holes in insulation, styrofoam, fiberglass, and even wood. Populations can build up quickly, and so can the problems associated with these mealworms and beetles.

Lesser mealworm beetle anatomy

1.Antenna- have short hairs
2.Eyes- compound
3.Head- punctured with a groove
4.Legs- 6
5.Wings- covered
6.Thorax- punctured-looking
7.Petiole- none
8.Abdomen- oval body
9.Color- shiny black or dark brown (beetles)
10.Other- larvae are creamy or yellow-brown colored

Life Cycle
The female can lay several hundred to a few thousand eggs at a time in cracks, crevices, litter, or manure. She will deposit eggs every one to five days, so populations grow extremely rapidly. Larvae will hatch in 4-7 days, and go through 6-11 instars over the next 40-100 days as they become adult beetles. The adults live from three months up to two years.