Abstract
This chapter addresses the beetles associated with stored food products. Species associated with stored food products are those with a history of being found in these products. The aesthetic factor of beetles in food cannot be ignored. Their presence may be repugnant to some consumers. Live beetle infestations, carry a high consumer outrage factor. Beetles in food may be indicators of decomposition or mold. Beetles are readily recognized by the specialized front wings, the elytra, which form a hard or leathery dorsal shell over the mesothorax, metathorax and usually most or all of the abdomen. Mandibles are diagnostic for most genera of stored-product beetles, in both the adult and larval stages. The beetle mandible has a typical pyramid shape with basal articulating condoyles and a broad molar area, in food-contaminating pests. In one group of beetles, the trochanter on the hind leg is large and so strongly offset toward the midline that the coxa and femur are nearly touching.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have