General   
The adult length is 3mm-4.5mm. The shape is elongated, the antennae have a distinct three-segmented club and the colour is reddish brown. Easily mistaken for the Confused Flour Beetle. The cylindrical wiry larvae is white tinged with yellow and has a pair of immovable projections, urogomphi on the final abdominal section. Adults frequently congregate in large numbers along the folds of food packaging. Under very warm conditions they will fly but will die out during the winter in unheated premises in the UK.

Significance
It is one of the most common beetle pests of stored products, a major pest of cereals in particular. It has been recorded from a wide range of commodities, including oil seeds and their products, ground nuts, bones, spices, drugs, chocolates and dried fruits. They are unable to feed on undamaged grain.  

Control
Infested commodities should be isolated and destroyed, or failing this fumigated.
The structure and fittings of the infected areas should be treated with a residual insecticide. This treatment may be supplemented with the use of an ultra-low volume insecticide application. Professional help may be required. 

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