Seasoned structural lumber infested with the larva are placed in the home. When mature the adults emerge from their chambers in the wood. They are not usually noticed until a pencil-sized hole is chewed through the drywall or other surface in the way of the adult emerging. Scolytidae Bark or Engraver beetles are elongate and cylindrical. The head can be visible dorsally , or concealed, narrower than pronotum .
Tarsi are short, with short first segment.
Antennae are elbowed and clubbed. Nearly all representatives bore into bark or wood, both in larval and adult form of their life cycle. These beetles are very common in the natural habitat and usually attack weakened, dead or recently cut trees. Some have been found attacking healthy trees and can be a very serious tree pest, particularly in the west. Each species of bark beetle forms a particular pattern while excavating their gallery networks.