Dried Fruit Beetle

Size:

1/8 of an inch

Color:

Brown with yellow spots on wing covers

Behavior:

The dried fruit beetle belongs to the family Nitidulidae, which contains the sap beetle. It is the most important pest species of this group. These beetles are strong fliers and constantly search for ripe or fermenting fruit. More than 1,000 tiny, white eggs may be deposited by the female on ripening fruit on trees or fruit on trays drying in the open. Infestations, therefore, often begin prior to the fruit being processed or stored in packing sheds. Another source of dried fruit beetles and other sap beetles are refuse dumps where fruit byproducts are disposed. Infestations never occur on whole sound fruits. Fruit is attacked before it is completely dry and usually, only cracked or fermenting fruit is infested. The larvae are white to amber in color and grow to about ¼ inch in length. Development to the pupal stage takes two to four weeks during which the larvae undergo several molts. Each molt results in a cast skin left behind and, together with fecal droppings, infested fruit can be rendered unpalatable by just a few larvae. The life cycle can be completed in a minimum of 15 days during hot weather but may take months during colder months. During their activities, dried fruit beetles may carry yeast cells, fungi and bacteria into the fruit causing it to sour and spoil.