Flour beetle
Diet
Diet
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Flour beetles consume a number of foods to survive. Flour beetles feed on many grain products, cereal, chocolate, and a number of powdered foods; including flour, spices, powdered milk mix, and pancake and cake mix.

Flour beetles also consume their own kind and participate in cannibalism. However, it is not a biological characteristic. It is suggested that they partake in cannibalism considering it raises the fitness of flour beetles that are in a habitat of weak sustainability. Additionally, it is a form of parental care. Some species produce trophic eggs for their children to eat. Those that engage in cannibalism are normally adults or larvae that consume pupae or eggs. Eggs and pupae fall prey to the older flour beetles because they do not have defense mechanisms being so young. Furthermore, the eggs and pupae are easily digestible, making them susceptible to becoming prey. 


Why are eggs and pupae easily digestible for flour beetles?