Sap Beetle
Carpophilus
Observed feeding in Maize damaged by moth larvae at Eldoret, Kenya, July 2014. Length is about 2.5 mm.
Sap beetles are very commonly found in rotting or damaged fruit. In this case the beetles are secondary pests of maize that has previously been damaged by the feeding activity ear worms or stalk borers in maize (Zea maize). Often the beetles fly from other spoiled fruits and carry with them yeasts and bacteria that will hasten decay. Small, less than 3 mm in length, and often found buried inside damaged spots. The larvae, which are grub-like, hatch from eggs the adults lay in the material. Sap Beetles are not primary pests and control measures are usually unwarranted.
Typical habitat for sap beetle
in corn ear damaged by moth larvae.
Many other insects also present.