Identify an insect
In Canada there are approximately 55,000 species of insects, a small number of which are considered as pests. The Canadian Grain Commission recognizes over 50 species of insects (including grain mites) as pests of stored grain.
The Canadian Grain Commission identifies 20 species of insects as primary pests (19 beetle species and 1 species of moth). Over 33 species are considered to be secondary pests (21 beetle species, 11 moth species, booklice species and grain mites).
Services and information
Primary insect pests
Insects considered as primary pests of stored products cause damage to stored grains by directly feeding on the grain at some point in their lifecycle.
Secondary insect pests
There are approximately 35 species of insects and grain mites recognized by the Canadian Grain Commission as being secondary pests.
Eight common insect pests
Description of appearance, behavior and development for the eight most common insect pests found in stored grain in Canada.
Stored grain insect pest biology
Information about stored grain insect pest biology gives a description of life stages and insect orders.
Glossary of insect terminology
List of definition of terms used in the identify an insect section.