Ture Powderpost Beetle

Biology

• Length: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
• Body is flat in appearance and reddish-brown to dark brown in color.
• Head is visible from above.
• Antenna is composed of 11 segments ending in a distinct two-segmented club.
• Tibia of each leg has 2 small spurs.
• Larvae are small “C” shaped, almost white in color.
• Eight breathing holes (spiracles) are found on the side of the larva’s abdomen.

Distribution/Habits

• Found throughout the world
• Commonly referred to as Lyctid Beetles
• Attack hardwood items; i.e. oak, ash, hickory, walnut, pecan, poplar and wild cherry
• Cannot digest cellulose as termites do; instead they survive on starch, sugars and protein found in wood.
• Primary food source for larvae is starch.
• Feces and pieces of wood are found packed inside the larval galleries.
• Females will not lay eggs in wood that has less than 3% starch content.