It can be distinguished from other grain beetles from its slight projections or knobs on each front corner of the pronotum, and its club-shaped antennae.

The larvae are worm-like, cream-colored and often reach a length of 3 mm before pupating into darker adults.

At 30 °C this species can only survive if relative humidity is at least 70%, or at least 65% at 20 °C (because the equilibrium moisture content of the substrate will be similar), a condition necessary for the development of fungi on which it feeds.

It can be found in various moist locations where fungus develop, such as the walls of houses around plumbing systems.

The presence of the beetle is a good indicator of damp storage conditions and spoiled food.

Various insect predators and parasitic wasps attack this beetle, but since it is not a pest species it has not been the subject of a biological control program.