The lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a primary pest of stored grains in many regions of the world. A literature review was done to present a summary of relevant literature on the general biology and ecology of the insect. The review addresses the following general subjects: first, a taxonomic discussion, which includes a review of other stored product bostrichid insects; second, details on the courtship behavior and conditions favorable for pest development; third, a discussion of the life stages; fourth, a review of R. dominica feeding habits, which includes a review of various grain and non-grain substances that have been reported as forming food and potential breeding resources for the insect, and discussion on grain losses due to R. dominica infestation; fifth, a discussion on the microorganisms and natural enemies associated with the insect; sixth, a summary of its flight behavior and flight activity, which includes a review of factors influencing flight initiation, daily and seasonal flight activity; seventh, a review of host location mechanism; eight, details on the biology of its aggregation pheromones; and ninth, a discussion on control; and lastly, a summary of the review. The review also identifies potential areas of further research on R. dominica that include, but are not limited to the role of arboreal food and forest floral in the population dynamics and life history of the insect, investigation of the mechanism by which the insect orients to host material not associated with pheromones, and studies on the site and mechanism of pheromone biosynthesis in the insect.