<i>Tribolium castaneum</i> (IMAGE) National Centre for Biological Sciences Caption Tribolium castaneum, or the red flour beetle is a worldwide pest. The hardy insect infests stored grains and grain products, and reproduces rapidly. Hardiness and quick reproduction -- traits much deplored in a pest -- however, make the red flour beetle an ideal model organism for ecological, genetic, and reproductive behavior research. Credit Ipsa Jain Usage Restrictions This image is property of NCBS and may not be used or reproduced without explicit consent of the institution License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.