Appearance:

The beetles are approx. 3 mm long, black-brown with a yellow transverse band on the slanting wing covers. The yellow-white larvae grow to a length of 5-7 mm and have two short spikes at the abdominal end.

Life History:

The eggs are deposited loosely in the infested goods. The beetles seldom fly, are sensitive to cold and do not easily survive the winter temperatures in the moderate zones. Six generations may be expected in one year.

Distribution:

World-wide, but of importance only in temperate climates, the tropics and subtropics.

Damage:

The beetles and larvae are dangerous pests in the dried fruit industry. But they also infest oilseeds, dried vegetables and herbs.