Necrobia rufipes (De Geer): an emerging pest associated with pet store chain in Europe

Necrobia rufipes is a cosmopolitan pest, causing considerable damage to stored commodities such as copra (dried coconut), cheese, dried fish, ham. The present study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of these insects on pet store chain in Europe. In the last year N. rufipes was found associated with pet food, especially in Mediterranean countries, causing considerable economic damage and loss of product. The causes of such sudden diffusion are not known but some considerations are reported. Future studies will be needed to collect data on development on pet food and on the possibility to monitor N. rufipes in wharehouses and pet stores.?