The term "cadelle" refers to a specific insect belonging to the family Tenebrionidae and the scientific genus Tenebroides. Also known as the "Tenebroides mauritanicus," the cadelle is a small, black, beetle-like creature that is commonly considered a pest due to its affinity for stored grain products. It is typically found in granaries, warehouses, and other areas where cereals, flour, and similar commodities are stored.
Measuring around 0.6 to 0.7 centimeters in length, the cadelle has a flat, elongated body, six legs, and antennae. Its coloration is uniformly black, and its exoskeleton is shiny. The cadelle is known for its ability to survive in extreme environments, including areas lacking adequate oxygen levels or high levels of carbon dioxide; these traits make it particularly resilient in storage facilities with controlled atmospheres.
The larvae of the cadelle, also called grubs, are stout, cream-colored, and covered in tiny, dark bristles. They feed on grain and flour, often causing significant damage to stored commodities. Furthermore, cadelles can contaminate food products with their excrement and cast-off skins, making them a nuisance in the food industry.
Efforts to control cadelles typically involve the removal of infested products, thorough cleaning and disinfection of storage areas, and the use of insecticides, fumigation, or biological controls. The study and management of these insects fall under the discipline of stored product entomology, which focuses on the prevention and control of pests in stored food and grain supply chains.
