Eggs are oviposited singly or in clusters, and are generally laid directly on the larval food source. Their color is usually off-white, but has been observed to be pink, brown or almost greenish. The larvae pupate either in a silken cocoon or unprotected. Pupation occurs in the stored food product. The spun silk from the larvae accumulates cast skins, fecal pellets and egg shells.
Adults are a common sign of an infestation.
The forewings of this moth are reddish brown with a copper sheen on the outer two thirds and gray on the inner third. At rest the wings are held roof-like over the body. The head and thorax of the moth appears gray and the posterior brown. The damage to stored products due to this contamination phenomenon exceeds the amount of food eaten by the insects. Damage can occur wherever the moth is found.