KHAPRA BEETLE Meaning and
Definition
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The khapra beetle, scientifically known as Trogoderma granarium, is a highly destructive pest species that belongs to the family Dermestidae. It is a small, oval-shaped insect measuring only around 2-3 millimeters in length, featuring a dark reddish-brown or blackish coloration. Native to India, the khapra beetle has become a notorious global invader due to its ability to infest grains, seeds, as well as various stored food products, which subsequently leads to widespread damage and contamination.
This beetle is recognized for its remarkable resilience and survival abilities, allowing it to thrive in challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures, low moisture environments, and extended periods without food. Once infested, the khapra beetles cause severe economic losses by feeding on stored food commodities, rendering them unfit for consumption and often resulting in extensive monetary damage.
Moreover, the khapra beetle possesses a unique reproductive capacity, as the female can lay up to 40 eggs per day throughout her lifetime, while the larvae can withstand adverse environments and feed on a wide range of organic materials, including dried plant matter, animal products, and even non-organic substances like paper and cardboard.
Due to its destructive nature and potential impact on global food security, the khapra beetle is considered a significant quarantine pest. International plant protection organizations and national agricultural institutions closely monitor and regulate the import and export of goods to prevent its spread across borders. Strict quarantine measures, fumigation, and heat treatments are often employed to control and eradicate infestations, reducing the risk of contamination and economic losses associated with this notorious beetle species.
Common Misspellings for KHAPRA BEETLE
- jhapra beetle
- mhapra beetle
- lhapra beetle
- ohapra beetle
- ihapra beetle
- kgapra beetle
- kbapra beetle
- knapra beetle
- kjapra beetle
- kuapra beetle
- kyapra beetle
- khzpra beetle
- khspra beetle
- khwpra beetle
- khqpra beetle
- khaora beetle
- khalra beetle
- kha0ra beetle
- khapea beetle
- khapda beetle
Etymology of KHAPRA BEETLE
The word "khapra" comes from the Hindi language, specifically from Sanskrit "kṣudra patta" (क्षुद्र पट्ट). "Khapra" (खपरा) means "bug" or "beetle" in Hindi. Similarly, "kṣudra" (क्षुद्र) translates to "small" or "insignificant", and "patta" (पट्ट) means "wing". Hence, "kṣudra patta" collectively refers to a small-winged bug or beetle. The word "khapra beetle" is used to specifically refer to a species of beetle known as Trogoderma granarium, notorious for its destructive nature towards stored commodities like grains and cereals.
