Pest Profile

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Common Name: Grain ,

Scientific Name: siro Linnaeus

Order and Family: :

Size and Appearance: The Grain Mite is extremely small, pear-shaped, and has 2 pairs of setae coming off of the body. They feature a pearly-white coloration with pale yellow legs.

Length (mm) Appearance Egg < 0.01 mm Microscopic, 20-30 laid at a time

Larva/Nymph < 0.2 mm Non-feeding dispersal stage. Uses anal suckers to attach to other , insects, etc. Adult Male: 0.2-0.4 mm Oval, pear-shaped, with 2 pairs Female: 0.5 mm of setae. Pearly-white in color with yellowish legs. Pupa (if applicable

Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Chelicerate (chewing, sucking)

Host/s: Acarus siro Linneaus, as common name would suggest, feeds on many stored grain products worldwide.

Description of Damage (larvae and adults): The Grain Mite is a stored product pest in homes, ships, restaurants, and the food industry. They lack trachea, and require a certain amount of moisture to survive. Therefore, they are commonly found in damp grains and flours. They have a “minty” odor when there is an infestation level present. Aside from damaging grain quality, the mites can also cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

References:

Smith, E.H. and Whitman, R.C. (2007). Stored Product Pests- Grain Mite. In NPMA Field Guide of Structural Pests. (pp. 19-22). National Pest Management Association International.

Townsend, Lee. (2010) Grain Mites. University of Kentucky. Retrieved on June 30th, 2016 from https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef629