Coffee bean weevil

Systematic position. The coffee bean weevil (Araecerus crassicornis) belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Anthribidae. It is a significant pest of stored agricultural commodities, particularly those originating from tropical and subtropical regions, capable of causing substantial damage to high-value food supplies.

Host range. This pest is a polyphagous insect with a wide variety of hosts. It primarily infests coffee beans, cocoa beans, oil palm seeds, corn, and various legumes. It is commonly encountered in warehouses, shipping containers, and processing facilities where these commodities are stored for extended periods.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Females lay eggs by boring into the seed coat. The larvae hatch and bore into the kernel, consuming the interior. The entire developmental cycle is highly dependent on ambient temperatures and humidity levels within the storage environment, allowing the pest to thrive in warm climates.

Damage and economic impact. Both larvae and adults damage the produce by tunneling through seeds, which reduces the weight and quality of the stored goods. Infested seeds lose their commercial value and germination potential. In cases of severe infestation, the product may become completely hollowed out and contaminated with frass, making it unfit for human consumption.

Control measures. Effective management strategies are essential to minimize storage losses:

• Maintaining dry, cool storage conditions to inhibit pest development.
• Regular inspection and cleaning of warehouse facilities to remove residual debris.
• Use of fumigation or controlled atmosphere storage for heavily infested stocks.
• Application of airtight packaging to prevent cross-infestation between batches.