(Stegobium paniceum)
Biology:
The rust-red to brown colored bread beetle is 2 to 4 mm long. Its elytra are finely hairy (double pubescence of adjacent and protruding hairs; in addition to the lack of a hump on the thorax, this is an important distinguishing feature from the common nail beetle) and have dotted stripes. The head of the species belonging to the gnawing beetles (Fam. Anobiidae) is covered by the pronotum, the last 3 antennae are clearly elongated. The beetle is a good flyer. The white larvae live in the nutrient substrate and produce cocoons in which they also moult and pupate. The bread beetle is one of the most common pests in households, pharmacies and drugstores.
Damage:
The damage is caused by the larvae feeding, the beetle itself does not feed. The larvae are omnivorous and infest a wide range of plant and animal products. They are found in baked goods, pasta, cereals, cereal products, drugs, cocoa and much more, but also in leather, book bindings, etc. Infested goods are contaminated and the appearance of the goods is severely impaired by feeding burrows and holes.
In addition, packaging materials such as paper, cardboard, etc. and even stable plastic packaging (buckets, etc.) are eaten through.
The beetle is occasionally confused with the quite similar-looking common nail beetle(Anobium punctatum), which is, however, a feared wood pest. An exact identification of the animals by a specialist is therefore urgently required!
