The appearance of this weevil is similar to that of the granary weevil; it is however smaller (2.3-3.5 mm long), and differs from the granary weevil in that it has tour reddish spots on the brown wing covers.
Develops within the kernel ot grain, like the granary weevil requires greater warmth than the granary weeviI as it develops at temperatures above 55oF. Only few weevils survive the winter temperatures of the temperate zones; in tropical climates, the development of a brood may take only 1 month. The weevil can fly; in hot countries, the rice weevil flies to the fields and lays its eggs on cereal crops.
World-wide, through cereal trading. Of great importance in tropical and subtropical countries.
A dangerous stored grain pest in warmer countries; it infests all types of grain. The larvae can also develop in farinaceous products, buckwheat, peas, acorns, chestnuts and cottonseed the weevil also feeds on flour hemp-seed biscuits waffles, white bread and tobacco; often found together with granary weevils. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.) is very similar to the rice weevil, but larger (3.3-5 mm) and the reddish markings on the wing covers are more clearly defined. Otherwise, as for rice weevil.