Bug Identifier
Drugstore Beetle
Community identification

Drugstore Beetle

Stegobium paniceum

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Ptinidae (formerly Anobiidae)
Size
2 mm to 3.5 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Pantropical and temperate regions; often found indoors in kitchens, pantries, pharmacies, and museums.

Diet & Feeding

Highly versatile; feeds on dried plant products, tobacco, spices, cereal, flour, old books, and even prescription drugs.

Behavior Patterns

Adults can fly and are attracted to light; they do not feed but perform a short lifecycle (2-7 months). Larvae are the primary feeders, boring through materials.

Risks & Benefits

A significant pest of stored products; can damage historical artifacts and contaminate food supplies but poses no direct physical sting or bite danger to humans.