Khapra Beetle vs African Melon Leaf Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Khapra Beetle African Melon Leaf Beetle
Scientific Name Trogoderma granarium Aulacophora africana
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Dermestidae Chrysomelidae
Size 2-3 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Seed Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions South Asia; quarantine pest worldwide Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Khapra Beetle

A small, oval, hairy beetle considered one of the world's most destructive stored-product pests. Larvae can enter dormancy for years.

💡

Did You Know?

It is so destructive that it is on quarantine watchlists in over 60 countries.

African Melon Leaf Beetle

A bright orange to yellowish-red beetle with a smooth, shiny surface that is a significant pest of cucurbit crops across sub-Saharan Africa. Both adults and larvae cause feeding damage.

💡

Did You Know?

Adults are attracted to cucurbitacins and can completely defoliate young cucumber and melon plants within days of crop emergence.