The adult beetle may wary in size from 6-25mm in length. Its overall colour is greyish-brown to black, with light patches on the wing covers.
Although the average life cycle in Europe is from 3-6 years, it can last 10 years or more. Some softwood timbers, infested in Europe and subsequently imported into Australia have had an adult emerge from them 10 years after their arrival.
Very common in many parts of Europe, the USA and South Africa. In Britain it is known as the house Longhorn beetle.
It attacks softwoods such as pine, fir, and spruce and so thoroughly excavates the timber that it causes severe structural damage.