Lesser Mealworm—Alphitobius diaperinis
aka Darkling Beetle, Litter Beetle

Lesser mealworms feed in grains and flour, particularly in damp musty sites. Found in grain bins, mills, and poultry houses, where they destroy insulation through extensive tunneling. They sometimes become pests in stored foods inside homes. They transmit poultry diseases.

lesser mealworm adult
lesser mealworm adult
lesser mealworm adult

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Identification and Control Information

[Photos, left to right: Charles Olsen, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org; Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org; Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org]