Biology, Ecology, and Behavior of Rusty Grain Beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens))

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), is a common pest found worldwide that can adapt to various climates. This insect poses a significant economic threat, making it crucial to understand its biology, ecology, and behavior to develop effective management strategies. To gain insights, a comprehensive review of the existing literature about C. ferrugineus was performed utilizing databases such as Web of Science and Scopus. The review covered publications from 1949 to 2023 and highlighted the global importance of C. ferrugineus through its presence in over 110 countries. The article provides a comprehensive examination of the insect’s biology and ecology, highlighting influential factors. A summary of the research performed on the interspecific interaction of C. ferrugineus with other organisms has also been presented. Mathematical models focusing on population dynamics and movement behavior are also presented. Finally, the article outlines the potential directions for future work, aiming to deepen our understanding of C. ferrugineus and aid in the development of improved management strategies. ABSTRACT: Cryptolestes ferrugineus, the rusty grain beetle, is a cosmopolitan pest that has adapted to cool and warm climates due to its unique biology, ecology, and behavior. The rusty grain beetle is a pest of high economic importance; hence, understanding their biology, ecology, and behavior could be useful in designing effective management strategies. An extensive literature survey was conducted using the databases Web of Science and Scopus. Information on country-wise publications from 1949 to 2023 on C. ferrugineus was provided, and a table illustrating the distribution of C. ferrugineus was also presented to demonstrate the global significance of C. ferrugineus. We overviewed their life stages, morphology, and factors influencing their biology, ecology, and behavior, such as refuge-seeking behavior, flight activity, mating behavior, interspecific interaction with other species, movement, and distribution. Mathematical models focusing on C. ferrugineus population dynamics and movement were also presented. In order to advance our knowledge on C. ferrugineus, the following possible avenues for future research were outlined: application of molecular markers and population genetic approaches to understand their evolutionary history; mechanisms responsible for adaptation and resistance to insecticide; interspecific interaction in storage facilities and wider landscapes; and identification of microbial roles in the ecology, behavior, and control of C. ferrugineus.