Fertilized females lay numerous shiny white eggs, singly or in clusters, in foodstuff and packaging. Larvae hatch from eggs in 3 to 17 days depending on temperature. Pupation often occurs in cells made of food particles cemented together, usually onto a solid object. Development from egg to egg occurs in 27 to 375 days. Four to six generations can occur annually.
Mouthparts are for chewing.
Adults find their way into stored grains, flour, sugar, nuts and other dry material of plant origin through cracks and crevices of imperfectly sealed containers. They are incapable of attacking sound grain kernels and often occur in food previously infested by other stored product pests. This pest may be found infesting dry goods, crawling around kitchen surfaces and occasionally underneath tree bark. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.