Red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) Science Image

Ref: 80018793m



Red flour beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). One of the most significant pests of dried foods and the milling industry, this insect is particularly damaging to stored grain products. The female lays her eggs in processed cereals. It has powerful chewing mouthparts, but does not bite or sting. Of Indo- Australian origin, it has populated temperate areas throughout the world. Magnification: x30 when printed 10 centimetres wide.