The adult is a tiny black beetle with white or lightly colored markings on its back. The larvae are orange-brown in color and look hairy. Warehouse beetles feed primarily on animal products, but will readily feed on grain and cereal products. The hairs of the larvae can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals especially when swallowed. These insects, also called bran bugs are common pests of flour.
Flour beetles require about a month to complete their life cycle.
Adults may live up to three years. This destructive insect is a serious pest of dried plant material. Its preferred food is dried tobacco leaves. The Cigarette beetle is a small brown beetle measuring 2-3 mm in length. The Cigarette beetle is closely related to the Drugstore beetle which can cause difficulty in identification.