Warehouse Beetle
Trogoderma variabile
Identification
1.5-4.0mm long, and oval in shape. Mostly dark brown in colour, with mottled lighter brown markings.
Description
This pest has recently been introduced into Australia. May be found in many organic materials such as seeds, grains, most types of packaged foods, snail baits, dog biscuits, stock feeds, old rodent baits, grain remnants in sacks, bee and wasp nests, rodent carcasses, dead insects, animal droppings etc. The hairs dropped by larvae may cause human problems such as asthma, skin problems or gastric disorders.
Lifecycle usually lasts between 1.5-6 months. The larva is up to 10mm long, and pale cream with indistinct dark brown markings. The larva has 3 pairs of legs and is very bristly.
