Death watch beetle
(Xestobium rufovillosum)
The death watch beetle usually only attacks hardwoods in which there is some fungal decay - although the fungal decay need not be sufficiently advanced for this to be obvious under normal inspection.
It is particularly common in old oak in damp buildings and hence is often found in churches and historic buildings, but is rare in houses built in the last two centuries. It may occasionally be found in softwoods if these are located close to hardwoods.
Flight holes are circular and abour 3mm in diameter, and galleries are slightly larger than for the common furniture beetle. Attack is preferentially in, but not restricted to, sapwood. Severe attack may cause much breaking of the wood's surface. The bore dust is bun-shaped.
The life cycle of the death watch beetle is generally 4-5 years, but may be prolonged up to 10 years. Adults emerge March to June, and females lay 40-70 eggs each.
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