[3] Several species within the genus have a transverse white band halfway along the elytra.

[4] Based on those species whose ecology is known, Tarsostenus are predators on wood-boring beetles.

For example, T. univittatus preys on bostrichids (Lyctus, Sinoxylon, Xylobiops and Trogoxylon[5]) and anobiines.

[6] It has been found in borer-infested lumber and wooden furniture from a range of different trees: ash, hickory, persimmon, white oak, Vahellia tortilis (=Acacia tortilis) Hayne raddiana, pecan, Cercis siliquastrum, Corymbia maculata (=Eucalyptus maculata), Ficus retusa, Schinus terebinthifolius and Triplochiton sclerodendron.

[5] Tarsostenus hilaris has been collected from Eucalyptus "laden with various species of cerambycids".