Foreign grain beetle

Foreign grain beetles, Ahasverus advena, can be common insects in homes in Minnesota in August and September, particularly in newly constructed buildings.

This is a small, flattened insect, about 1/12 inch long and reddish-brown in color (Fig 1). When viewed under magnification, it can be identified by two peg-like projections behind its head (Fig. 2). These small beetles are strong fliers and are sometimes confused with fruit flies or gnats. However, foreign grain beetles have a hard shell compared to flies and lack conspicuous, clear wings when at rest (they are folded under their wing covers).

Sometimes people mistake foreign grain beetles for fleas or lice but neither of these biting insects have wings and can fly. Lice are also flattened but are soft-bodied. Fleas are flattened from side to side and are strong jumpers