Cellar Beetles

several species of beetles of the family Tenebrionidae. Common cellar beetles in the USSR are Platyscelis gages, Blaps halophila, Pedinus femoralis, and Opatrum sabulosum. The larvae are the primary pests. In the steppe zone they damage cereals; industrial, gourd, and vegetable crops; and some trees and fruits. At the peak of the reproduction cycle they destroy crops by eating the seeds. Opatrum sabulosum is harmful to young plants and shoots in the beetle phase as well.