| Size: |
True powder post beetle (lyctid) adults are 1/32 to 1/4 in (1-7 mm) long, depending on species. Larvae are up to 1/4 in (6 mm) long. |
| Color: |
Adult true powderpost beetle is reddish brown to black. Larva is nearly white. |
| Characteristics: |
Adult has a long, narrow, flat body with sides almost parallel; head and often jaws can be seen in top view; antennae with 2-segmented clubs; wing covers are often with rows of hairs. Larva is C-shaped, with enlarged thorax, short 4-segmented antennae, and legs with long claw. |
| Geographic Range: |
Around the world; about 11 species in the United States. |
| Food: |
True powderpost beetles are a wood destroying insect and eat wood cell contents: mostly starch, with some sugar and protein. |
| Biology: |
Adult powderpost beetles (lyctids) are active at night, fly well, and are attracted to light. Female lays (15-50) eggs in exposed wood pores, cracks and crevices, but never on wood that is painted, polished or waxed. The larvae tunnel in sapwood, along the grain, packing their tunnels loosely with very fine, powdery, flour-like dust. After several molts (2-9 months), the mature larva bores back to near the surface to build a chamber and pupate. The adult bores out to the surface to exit, and mates, doing very little feeding. Development time from egg to adult is 9-12 months, but can be as little as 3-4 months, or as long as a few years. |
