General
The adult is an oval, shiny, black beetle, approximately 5mm-5.5mm long. The larvae are active, shiny parallel-sided and yellow/brown in colour. Damp conditions favouring mould growth are attractive to these beetles.

Significance
Usually of minor importance, typically attacking mouldy or damaged goods. The normal food stuffs are of plant origin but they are able to survive on dead insects, or as detritivores in the nests of mammals and birds. Grain and cereal products are the most commonly attacked, along with ground nuts, palm kernels, copra and bones. In intensive poultry units they may become a serious pest and act as a vector for various avian and human pathogon.

Control 
Any infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed or failing this fumigated.
The structure and fittings of the infested area should be treated with a residual insecticide. If an animal unit is to be treated use a product which has animal husbandry approval.

Number of days spent as: