Larder Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas, as well as outdoors in bird nests or under bark.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on high-protein animal products such as dried meats, cheese, pet food, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Scavengers that undergo complete metamorphosis; larvae are active crawlers and often bore into soft wood or plaster to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Common household pest that can contaminate stored food products; however, they provide ecosystem benefits as decomposers by cleaning up animal remains.

Identified on: 6/4/2026