Ptilinus beetle

Habitat:

Found in a limited range of European hardwoods, mainly beech, elm, hornbeam, maple. Damage often originates in stockyards or stockrooms. In buildings, it is mainly found in furniture.

Damage characteristics:

Emergence holes are circular, 1-2 mm diameter.

Tunnels are circular, 1-2 mm in diameter. Random orientation, mainly in the direction of the grain.

Bore dust very densely packed in tunnels and not easily dislodged. Fine, talc-like when crushed and rubbed between fingers.

Insect characteristics and location:

Adults 4-6 mm long, elongated cylindrical shape. Thorax black or brown, wing covers reddish brown and pitted. Antennae are distinctive - male comb-like and female saw-like. Found on or around damaged timber May - July.

Larva up to 6 mm long, pale cream. Transverse bands of fine hairs, three pairs of small legs. Found all year round in infested wood.