Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Larder beetles are common household pests and can be found indoors in pantries, kitchens, basements, and attics where dried food products or animal remains are stored. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds and mammals, around carrion, or in insect collections.

Diet & Feeding

The larvae and adults of larder beetles are scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of animal products. This includes dried meats, cheese, dried pet food, furs, hides, feathers, dead insects, museum specimens, and even stored tobacco.

Behavior Patterns

Adult larder beetles are attracted to light and can be found flying around windows. They are primarily nocturnal. Larvae are typically found in dark, undisturbed areas. Both larvae and adults can play dead when disturbed. The life cycle from egg to adult can take 40-50 days under optimal conditions, with multiple generations per year.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to stored food products, museum specimens, furs, and other animal-derived materials. Infestations can be difficult to control if the source is not found. They do not typically bite or sting humans. In nature, they play a beneficial role as decomposers by breaking down dead organic matter.

Identified on: 8/11/2025