Elm Bark Beetle vs Lesser Grain Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elm Bark Beetle Lesser Grain Borer
Scientific Name Scolytus multistriatus Rhyzopertha dominica
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae (Scolytinae) Bostrichidae
Size 2–3.5 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Woodlands Gardens
Diet Wood Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Europe, North America Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Elm Bark Beetle

A small bark beetle that is the primary vector of Dutch elm disease in North America. It creates distinctive brood galleries under elm bark.

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Did You Know?

It spreads the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, which has wiped out millions of elm trees worldwide.

Lesser Grain Borer

A cylindrical dark brown beetle that bores into whole grain kernels, reducing them to powder. It is especially destructive in warm tropical grain stores.

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Did You Know?

It produces a distinctive sweet, musty odor that can taint infested grain.