πŸͺ² Beetles

Coffee Berry Borer

Hypothenemus hampei

About Coffee Berry Borer

A tiny, dark brown beetle that bores into coffee berries and is the most damaging pest of coffee worldwide. Females tunnel into the berry and lay eggs inside.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few animals that can detoxify caffeine, thanks to gut bacteria that break down the alkaloid.

How to Identify Coffee Berry Borer

Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Curculionidae. Adults typically measure 1.5-2 mm.

Coffee Berry Borer Habitat

Coffee Berry Borer is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Central Africa (native), Pantropical (invasive). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Coffee Berry Borer Diet and Feeding

Coffee Berry Borer has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.

Where Is Coffee Berry Borer Found?

Coffee Berry Borer can be found in Central Africa (native), Pantropical (invasive), where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Coffee Berry Borer can be found

Is Coffee Berry Borer Dangerous?

Coffee Berry Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Coffee Berry Borer Role in Nature

Coffee Berry Borer plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Coffee Berry Borer are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Berry Borer

What does Coffee Berry Borer look like?

The Coffee Berry Borer typically measures 1.5-2 mm.

Where is Coffee Berry Borer found?

The Coffee Berry Borer is found in Central Africa (native), Pantropical (invasive) and typically inhabits farmland environments.

What does Coffee Berry Borer eat?

The Coffee Berry Borer has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Coffee Berry Borer dangerous to humans?

The Coffee Berry Borer is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Coffee Berry Borer?

It is one of the few animals that can detoxify caffeine, thanks to gut bacteria that break down the alkaloid.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/coffee-berry-borer

MLA:
"Coffee Berry Borer." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/coffee-berry-borer.