Lesser Grain Borer vs Birch Catkin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Grain Borer Birch Catkin Bug
Scientific Name Rhyzopertha dominica Kleidocerys resedae
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Bostrichidae Lygaeidae
Size 2-3 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions Europe, northern Asia, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

Birch Catkin Bug

A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.

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Did You Know?

In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.