Dried Fruit Beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus): A Tiny Pest That Can Ruin Entire Batches

In the dried fruit and seed-processing industry, one of the most overlooked yet destructive pests is the Dried Fruit Beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus). Despite its small size, this insect can cause extensive hidden damage—especially in moist or overripe products. If left unchecked, a single infestation can compromise entire batches of valuable goods.

What Is the Dried Fruit Beetle?

• Common name: Dried Fruit Beetle
• Scientific name: Carpophilus hemipterus (L.)
• Family: Nitidulidae
• Order: Coleoptera

Key characteristics:

• Adult size: 2.0–3.0 mm
• Dark brown to black body
• Elytra (forewings) do not fully cover the abdomen, leaving the last 2–3 segments exposed
• Faint yellowish spots on wing edges and a yellow band at the tip
• Yellow-colored antennae and legs with capitate (clubbed) antennae

Fast Life Cycle, Serious Consequences

The Dried Fruit Beetle undergoes complete metamorphosis, completing its life cycle in just 45 days:

• Egg stage (2–3 days): Females lay up to 1,000 eggs
• Larval stage (13–20 days): Creamy-yellow, curved larvae feed internally
• Pupal stage (3–7 days): Develops near the food source
• Adult stage: Lives up to 1 year and reproduces continuously

Where It Lives and What It Eats

This beetle infests a wide range of products, especially:

• Dried fruits of all kinds
• Palm seeds, dried coconuts, cocoa, rice
• Peanuts, maize, cashew nuts

It targets moist or overripe products first—making them ideal entry points for infestation.

Damage Profile

• Adults chew through fruits or seeds, leaving small holes or abrasions
• Larvae feed within the flesh or seed, causing internal decay
• The damage is often compounded by secondary infections from mold and bacteria
• Products with low moisture are typically less susceptible
• The larval stage is the most destructive, but adults also contribute to contamination

Global Distribution

• Found worldwide, especially in warm and humid climates
• Common in unsanitary or poorly ventilated warehouses
• Thrives where moisture control is lacking

Effective Prevention and Control Methods

✅ 1. Sanitation

• Keep storage areas clean, especially under pallets and around support beams
• Remove leftover product fragments that attract and feed beetles

✅ 2. Temperature Control

• Use hot or cold treatments to slow or stop development
• Effective against eggs, larvae, and pupae

✅ 3. Fumigation

• Fumigate raw materials before storage
• Use for rejected or infested goods to prevent further spread

✅ 4. Pheromone Traps

• Target adult beetles for capture
• Use traps to monitor and detect early infestations in factories and warehouses

Conclusion

The Dried Fruit Beetle may be only a few millimeters in size, but its impact on dried fruit, nuts, and seed products can be devastating. A single infestation can result in contamination, spoilage, and major product losses. Proactive pest control, cleanliness, and moisture management are critical at every stage—from harvest to final storage—to ensure product integrity and food safety.