This small reddish to reddish brown beetle is 2 to 3.5mm in length. The Biscuit Beetle is a member of the "Anobdae" family which are wood borers and include the common furniture beetle and death watch beetle.

BIOLOGY:

The larvae to adult stage is normally completed in 7 months, however this will decrease with higher temperatures. The larvae stage does the damage and has been known to bore in a straight line through a whole row of books. It can also penetrate tin foil and lead. It is a common inhabitant of old birds nests in roof spaces.