Confused flour beetle

Common card · No. 372346

The confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum), a type of darkling beetle known as a flour beetle, is a globally found, common pest insect known for attacking and infesting stored flour and grain. They are one of the most common and most destructive insect pests for grain and other food products stored in silos, warehouses, grocery stores, and homes. Multiple chemicals have been used to manage their infestation, including pyrethrin and fungal insecticides. The "confused" in the beetle's name is due to it being confused with the red flour beetle, not because of its walking pattern. They engage in cannibalistic behaviors for population control and as a food source. Like many insects, Tribolium confusum also evolved altruistic social behaviors via kin selection to improve their inclusive fitness.

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