A to Z of Pests

Biscuit Beetle

Stegobium paniceum

Appearance

• Adult — 2–3mm in length. Humped thorax. Fine hairs cover the body. Elytra (wing cases) have ridges with indentations.
• Larva — active in early stages of development. Bores into hard substances. They are able to detoxify some poisonous substances.

Lifecycle

• Life cycle — 200 days at 17°C, 70 days at 28°C. Adults live for 13 to 65 days.

Habits

• Will often fly. Adults do not feed.