The specific name paniceum was given because of the tendency of this insect to eat almost anything. It has been documented to bore a straight line through a whole shelf of books, and has even been documented as being able to penetrate sheet lead. In temperate climates, it is generally endemic to heated premises. Although it resembles the cigarette beetle fairly strongly, it may be distinguished by the three segmented antennal club.
Females lay eggs singly within the foodstuff.
Larval stages last between four and five months, pupal stage lasts 12 to 18 days, with a complete cycle requiring seven months. Under optimum conditions, the life cycle may be completed in two months with four broods per year, but in most conditions, one or two broods is more usual. The Biscuit Beetle is one of the most common pests of stored products, but it is able to live and breed successfully in the urban environment also. The Biscuit Beetle or Drugstore Beetle will eat practically anything edible to man, plus many commodities that are not edible to man. Although it mainly feeds on grain and flour, other products are at risk including spices cocoa beans and liquorice.