tribollum confusum

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The confused flour beetle, Tribolium Confusum is an organism that is approximately 4.35mm in body length and is made up of three sections, the prognathous head, rounded abdomen and a straight sided thorax, which are flat, shiny, elongated and rigid, reddish brown (Stuart M Bennett 2003). This beetle consists of two segmented antennas at the front of its body along with two small dark colored notched eyes, separated by more than three eye diameters, which allow the beetle to identify small disturbances and escape from predator (Stuart M Bennett 2003). The antenna’s consists of segments that grow from the bottom all the way till the tip, forming a club of four segments and are used to help Tribolium Confusum in sensing its surroundings (Stuart M Bennett 2003). This confused beetle has six legs; three separated equally on each side of the body, which allow it to easily maneuver through grain products. The forelegs are there for traction and the middle and hind legs are for propulsion (A Sokoloff 1972). Tribolium Confusum has well developed wings hidden under its elytra but has never been seen flying (Anon 2009). Its forewings are rigid and hind wings are membranous and folded (S.S Lal 2009). Tribolium Confusum originated in Africa and is now found all around the world, particularly in the tropical and semi-tropical regions (Canada grain commission 2013). These beetles are most abundant in the flourmills, warehouses, bakeries, and homes in the U.Kingdom, United States and Australia (Stuart M Bennett 2003). In United States it is more commonly found in northern sates where the climate is warm (Smith and Whitman 2001). Tribolium Confusum is most commonly found in warmer climate and humidity and it survive... ... middle of paper ... ...olium castaneum interact with one another when competing differently in dependence on microclimatic conditions (Werner Ulrich 2008). This competition between these species of Tribolium is called interspecific completion. These two beetles also interact when working together to cannibalize the eggs of other species and interfering with the survival of other potential competitors (Werner Ulrich 2008). Furthermore, Tribolium Confusum is an omnivore that feeds on decaying organic matter, grains, cereals and grain products. It does not play a beneficial role in its natural habitat but instead negatively affects the humans by feeding on the grain products which soon after my cause allergies (Stuart M Bennett 2003). The beetle also affects warehouses and flourmills financially because the increase in number very quick, which means more flour being eaten.

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