Adults are about 1/4 inch and uniformly light brown. The antennal segments are all the same size and shape, which helps to distinguish this species from the drugstore beetle, which is very similar.
Development. Eggs are laid in crevices in food material; hatching is in about 20 days. Larval development ranges from 106 to 135 days. Larvae construct silk chambers for pupation. Adults feed on the same food as the larvae.
Habits. This is a widespread pest of food materials and is not limited to tobacco.
First-stage larvae can enter small openings in the seams of food packages. Late-stage larvae are not able to penetrate smooth surfaces or cracks and crevices. Infestations are common in household food materials. The larvae feed on seeds, nuts, beans, spices, yeast, dried insects, fish, vegetables, flour, meal, and tobacco.