A. piceus feeds on a variety of dried animal and vegetable substances and is of prime importance as a pest of dwellings and educational and industrial establishments. The eggs hatch in 6-11 days during warm weather. Larvae reach maturity and pupate usually in about 1 yr., but others because of adverse food and temp. conditions have required 2-3 yrs. Larvae of known history have molted 5-11 times, but adverse growth conditions may increase the number of molts to about 20. Pupae mature in 6-24 days. In Washington, D. C, in heated buildings, a large majority pupate during the April-June period, although a few pupate as early as Feb. and as late as July. After partially shedding the pupal skin after the manner characteristic of Anthrenus, Dermestes and Attagenus, the adults may remain quiescent within it for 2-20 days before becoming active. Adults are attracted to daylight, are found about windows and flying out of doors in the sun, often upon screens and sometimes feeding upon the pollen of flowers, especially those of Spiraea. Adults may live as long as 35 days. In some instances [female][female] under observation have started to lay eggs in less than a week after emergence and have laid an average of about 53 eggs within another week''s time. Ovipositing [female][female] seldom live more than 2 weeks under house conditions, if one can judge from laboratory records.