| Scientific name | Sitophilus oryzae |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Red |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Pantry or stored food and Kitchen |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The rice weevil is a tiny member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Long, narrow snout extending from the head
- Four faint orange or reddish spots on the wing covers
- Pitted thorax and the ability to fly
About this bug
A small, dark weevil with a long snout and four faint reddish spots on its back. Females chew holes in whole grains such as rice, wheat and corn and lay an egg inside each kernel.
You'll usually find rice weevils in pantries and stored food and in the kitchen. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
Rice weevils cannot bite people and are not harmful if accidentally eaten, but they spoil grain.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see rice weevils
Rice Weevils are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: pantry or stored food and kitchen.
About beetles
The rice weevil is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
What to do about it
- Throw out infested rice, grain, pasta and whole seeds
- Freeze new bulk grains for several days before storing
- Store grains in airtight containers and clean up spilled kernels
Read the full guide: how to get rid of rice weevils.
Bugs that look similar
Signature feature: Rice Weevils: long, narrow snout extending from the head. Confused Flour Beetles: flat, elongated reddish-brown body.
Signature feature: Rice Weevils: long, narrow snout extending from the head. Cigarette Beetles: rounded, humped body with smooth, ungrooved wing covers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a rice weevil look like?
Long, narrow snout extending from the head. Adults measure 2–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).
Does the rice weevil bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Rice weevils cannot bite people and are not harmful if accidentally eaten, but they spoil grain.
Where do rice weevils live?
Rice Weevils live in pantries and stored food and in the kitchen.
When are rice weevils most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.