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INTRODUCTION. Lyctids are commonly known as (true) powderpost beetles because their larvae produce a very fine, powderlike frass in their galleries (vs. bostrichids/false powderpost beetles and anobiids, whose larvae produce coarser frass which also contains fine wood fragments or pellets respectively).  They are worldwide in distribution, with about 11 species occurring in the United States.

RECOGNITION. Depending on the species, adults about 1/32-1/4in (1-7 mm) long.  Body elongate, narrow, flattened, almost parallel-sided; head pronotum, and elytra (wing covers) about equal in width; Pronotum somewhat wider at front; head and often mandibles visible when viewed from above.  Color reddish brown to black.  Antennae with abrupt 2-segmented club.  Elytra (wing covers) often with rows of hairs (setae).  First abdominal segment ventrally much longer than other segments.

     Depending on the species, mature larvae up to about 1/4in (6 mm) long,  Color nearly white.  Body C-shaped but with enlarged thorax.  Antennae short, 4-segmented.  Spiracle of 8^th (last) abdominal segment 3 times larger than other abdominal spiracles.  Legs 3-segmented, ending with a long claw.  However, 1^st instar larva straight-bodied, white, and bears a pair of small spines at rear end.

HABITS. Lyctids attack the sapwood and only that of hardwoods, usually less than 10 years old.  They attack both lumber and manufactured products.  The wood moisture content required for beetle development is 8-32%, with greatest activity at 10-20%.  Adults are active at night, readily fly, and are attracted to light.

     Lyctids are usually brought into structures in wood which contains their eggs and/or larvae.  This wood is typically infested during drying time or storage.  Finish on wood prevents egg laying.

     They usually attack oak, hickory, and ash but will attack other native and tropical hardwoods.  Lyctids often attack bamboo.

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