PEST NAME :  PLASTER BEETLE (Lathridiidae spp)

SIZE, SHAPE AND COLOUR :  1.5 to 2.5mm. Greyish brown to blackish brown. Distinctive antennal club. Ridged and punctured wing cases.

BIOLOGY :  Eggs are laid singly. Larvae hatch in approximately 1 week. Larvae moult 3 to 4 times. When 3 weeks they are full grown, pupae formed and adults hatch in 1 week.

PREFERRED FOODS :  Moulds and mildews on substrata.

HABITAT :  On packaging, cardboard material on damp plaster or on damp surfaces. Found in warehouses commonly especially when damp.