Although the underside of adult beetles is a pale whitish yellow in colour,[3] its hardened forewings (elytra) are polymorphic.

[3] Spotted and mottled beetles have also been observed on beaches with mixed sand types.

[4] The seaweed darkling beetle lives in a narrow band at the top of the high tidal zone.

[4][2] When seaweed is picked up by predatory seabirds, it has been observed as falling out, running a short distance, and burrowing back into the sand.

[4] The species is able to survive rafting on seaweed when it is washed out to sea at high tide.