Lesser Grain Borer vs Western Boxelder Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Grain Borer | Western Boxelder Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhyzopertha dominica | Boisea rubrolineata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Bostrichidae | Rhopalidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions | Western 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.
Did You Know?
It produces a distinctive sweet, musty odor that can taint infested grain.
Western Boxelder Bug
A red and black bug very similar to the eastern boxelder bug but found in western North America. It forms large overwintering aggregations on buildings and fences near boxelder trees. It is a nuisance pest but causes no structural damage.
Did You Know?
When crushed, it stains fabrics and surfaces with a reddish-orange dye from its body fluids, which is why it should be vacuumed rather than squashed when found indoors.