An oval beetle of 2.5-4 mm length, sharply waisted between neck shield and abdomen; dark brown, with flat-lying yellowish-brown hairs; the wing covers have fine lines of dots and no patches. They have long antennae which are segmented and positioned between the eyes, a waist like constriction at the base of the thorax and six long thin legs.
The larvae are yellowish-white, grub-like, have a brown head and sparse hair growth, and grow to 5-7 mm length.
Originally only found in Australia, now practically world-wide.The beetles and larvae are omnivorous and attack grain and grain products, pulses, rice, dried fruit, cocoa, spices, herbs and animal products such as fish meal and casein.
