Drugstore Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found worldwide, typically in homes, food warehouses, pharmacies, and museums where dry organic materials are stored.

Diet & Feeding

Broad range of dried plant and animal products including flour, bread, spices (like paprika and chili powder), tobacco, leather, wool, and prescription drugs.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers and are attracted to light. They do not eat; the larvae do the damage by tunneling through food sources. Their life cycle lasts about 2-7 months depending on temperature and humidity.

Risks & Benefits

They are a major economic pest of stored products. While they do not bite humans or pets, they contaminate food supplies and can damage books or anatomical specimens.

Identified on: 4/7/2026