Lesser Grain Borer vs Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Grain Borer | Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhyzopertha dominica | Tipula paludosa |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Bostrichidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Gardens |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions | Europe, North America, Asia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It produces a distinctive sweet, musty odor that can taint infested grain.
Crane Fly
Often mistaken for giant mosquitoes but completely harmless. Adults often do not feed at all. Larvae (leatherjackets) live in soil and can be lawn pests.
Did You Know?
Despite looking terrifying, crane flies are completely harmless — they cannot bite or sting. Most adults live just a few days and many never eat at all.