What is an example of an external feeder?

An external feeder refers to a pest that feeds on the outside of the material, such as plant material, stored products, or other surfaces, rather than burrowing into them. The drugstore beetle is classified as an external feeder because it primarily feeds on the surface or the external layer of food products, like grains, dried fruits, and spices.

This feeding habit allows drugstore beetles to consume a variety of materials without having to burrow deep within them, making their presence evident through holes or damage on the surface of the food items. This characteristic distinguishes them from pests that would invade and consume the inner parts of their food sources. Understanding the feeding behavior of such pests helps in developing effective pest management strategies and targeting control measures more precisely.