This beetle is somewhat shiny dark brown to black and about 1/2 inch long. The head and antennae are visible. The larva is shiny brownish yellow with a hardened skin; the head is dark brown to black.
Development. Females lay about 300 eggs directly on flour or grain; eggs hatch in about two weeks. Larvae develop through 10 to 14 molts, and they complete development in 10 months. The adults live for about three months; there is one generation per year.
Habits. At night, larvae are active, and the adults fly to lights. Larvae feed on grain, animal feed, and dry pet food. Household infestations are not common, but the beetles are known to feed on food material, particularly dry pet food hidden indoors by mice.