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Red flour beetle in flight
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Red flour beetle in flight
Red flour beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) in flight. One of the most significant pests of dried foods and the milling industry, this insect is particularly damaging to stored grain products - with the female laying its eggs in processed cereals. It has powerful chewing mouthparts, but does not bite or sting. Of Indo- Australian origin, it has populated temperate areas throughout the world. Magnification: x18 when printed 10 centimetres wide
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Media ID 9331555
© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Beetle Cereal Flying Grain Mandible Mandibles Pest Spoilage Wing Wings
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable beauty of a red flour beetle in flight. The coloured scanning electron micrograph captures every intricate detail of this tiny creature, known scientifically as Tribolium castaneum. Despite its delicate appearance, this insect is one of the most significant pests in the dried food and milling industry. The red flour beetle poses a serious threat to stored grain products, making it particularly damaging to processed cereals. Females lay their eggs within these cereals, further exacerbating the problem. With powerful chewing mouthparts at their disposal, they can cause extensive spoilage without biting or stinging humans. Originally from Indo-Australian regions, this resilient species has successfully populated temperate areas across the globe. The magnification level used for this print allows viewers to appreciate its wingspan and mandibles up close; an impressive sight considering its small size. While some may find it unsettling to observe such a pest in such detail, there is no denying that nature's creations are awe-inspiring even on a microscopic scale. This image serves as a reminder of both the diversity and potential threats that exist within our natural world – urging us to take necessary precautions when it comes to preserving our food resources and protecting against unwanted infestations.
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