Tribolium sp. (genus)

A flour beetle at suppressed

Tribolium sp. (genus) at suppressed - 20 Mar 2022
Tribolium sp. (genus) at suppressed - 20 Mar 2022
Tribolium sp. (genus) at suppressed - 20 Mar 2022
Tribolium sp. (genus) at suppressed - 20 Mar 2022
Tribolium sp. (genus) at suppressed - 20 Mar 2022
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Identification history

Tribolium sp. (genus) 21 Mar 2022 MichaelMulvaney
Tribolium sp. (genus) 21 Mar 2022 michaelb
Unidentified 20 Mar 2022 Tmac

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User's notes

Any idea what these little bugs in semolina could be? 2mm-3mm. No Idea how many, many disappeared when I handled the bag, but I think lots of hatched shells in there. I found them in a bag of Semolina (Product of India). (I think it's Brand - Maharaja's Choice). Packet, with Used By Date & Batch Number listed, in case! Bought from a local Indian shop or maybe from a regular supermarket, not sure. Are these ordinary weevils? or A Bio-Security Risk? as it was Made in India? Was opened yesterday or this morning by a friend, who didn't notice, but closed by a rubber band after opening. Did not see any in the cooked stuff earlier today, so likely recently hatched in past few hours. (Obviously, Won't be having any more, To be safe, it's been double bagged & put in freezer, until bin day!)

6 comments

rainer wrote:
   21 Mar 2022
I’d suggest you contact Australian Biosecurity at: https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/report
michaelb wrote:
   21 Mar 2022
Looks like Tribolium confusum (Confused flour beetle), a common pest:- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/54668
Tmac wrote:
   21 Mar 2022
@rainer & @michaelb - Thanks for your help & advice, over this concern!
SimoneC wrote:
   21 Mar 2022
I think Tribolium castaneum might be more common in NSW if it is a local infestation
   21 Mar 2022
Both species are already established in Australia.
rainer wrote:
   22 Mar 2022
Would it not be advisable to report it anyway, just in case there are other pests present?

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Sighting information

  • 16 - 100 Abundance
  • 20 Mar 2022 09:42 PM Recorded on
  • Tmac Recorded by

Additional information

  • Semolina packet from India Associated plant
  • Less than 5mm Animal size

Species information

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  • Images or audio
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  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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