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Powder Post Beetles

Powder Post Beetles (Families Anobiidae, Bostrichidae, and Lyctidae)

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The larval stages of these three families are all wood borers, usually attacking seasoned wood (soft and hardwood). Many species continue to work for years in the same piece of wood, gradually consuming all the sapwood until nothing remains except a powder-filled shell.
Adult female powder post beetles mate and begin laying eggs soon after they emerge from infested wood. After hatching, young larvae usually tunnel with the grain, but later take an irregular course. Feeding by larvae can continue for several years until the life cycle is complete.

For more information, try these links:

  • From Penn State University: Link
  • From Ohio State University: Link
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