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Pest of the Month

Ture Powderpost Beetle

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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.