Eggs are laid by the female beetle on susceptible timber.  These hatch into larvae which burrow directly into the timber from the egg.  Newly hatched larvae are very small, but when fully grown, a process which takes at least 3 years, they may be as long as 5mm, forming tunnels up to 2mm diameter.  After pupation the adult beetle emerges through a circular flight hole, this usually occurs between May and September.  The adult beetle is brown and has a hooded appearance.