Sap beetles vary considerably in size, shape, and habits.
The larvae are elongate, flattened, and nearly white with a protruding head, and often a pair of forked horny structures on the last abdominal segment. Most sap beetles are found where plant fluids are fermenting or souring. They are attracted to ripe fruit, prepared food, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and fresh paint and other similar odors. They are also attracted to most cuts and wounds on trees and to mycelial mats of fungi, especially where fermenting. Sap beetles bore into ripening fruits about picking time, and are especially attracted to overripe fermenting fruits.