Adult body is dark brown to black, and the ventral surface is white. The larva has numerous long setae at the edge of its abdominal segments and on its posterior segment.
Development. Eggs are laid singly or in batches of 17 to 25; hatching occurs in six days. Larval development is about 50 days and there are 7 to 9 instars. Pupal chambers are constructed after the larvae bore into available surfaces. Males live about 158 days; females live about 180 days.
Habits. This beetle feeds on feathers, fur, bone, cheese, and dried fish. Adults are active flyers and are attracted to natural and ultraviolet light. Larvae of this beetle have been used in museums for cleaning skeletons.