A long-lived species, the dusky sap beetle can live as an adult for up to 300 days.

[1] Carpophilus lugubris is capable of feeding on undamaged fruits as well, corn being its primary food source.

[1] The ability to attack undamaged fruits and vegetables makes the genus Carpophilus a large threat to economic crops.

[3] Dusky sap beetle is a common pest of corn in North America, but tomato plants are also at risk.

[2] Larvae present in corn kernels often go undiscovered and this can lead to their rejection and subsequent discarding.

This involves using the beetle to deliver Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium which kills the fungus Aspergillus flavus.

[1] A more effective approach is to ensure that crops are not left unharvested, as these plants will provide food for overwintering individuals.