(Lasioderma serricorne)
Biology:
The oval brown-red beetles are 2 to 4 mm long. The head is characteristically hidden under the neck shield. This is typical of the entire family of nail beetles (Fam. Anobiidae), which also includes the bread beetle(Stegobium paniceum) and the common nail beetle(Anobium punctatum), which is feared as a wood pest. The antennae are weakly serrated.
The crepuscular beetles are good fliers that orient themselves towards the light in the evening.
While the beetle does not ingest any food, the yellowish white, up to 4 mm long, densely hairy larvae become harmful by feeding on stored plant material. They also develop and multiply on tobacco and tobacco products, as they can break down nicotine with the help of symbionts in the intestine and thus detoxify.
This thermophilic species is widespread in the tropics, but can be found anywhere in the world due to human trade. In Central Europe, it only occurs in the warm environment of humans and cannot survive the winter outdoors.
Damage:
The damage is primarily caused by the feeding activity of the larvae. They mainly attack tobacco and tobacco products, but also drugs, dried fruit, cocoa, spices, etc. The beetles themselves no longer eat, but can damage packaging.
