Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as kitchens, pantries, and storage areas; outdoor habitats include bird nests and animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on high-protein organic material including cured meats, dried fish, cheese, pet food, animal hides, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers and are often attracted to light. They undergo complete metamorphosis; larvae are active crawlers and are the primary stage responsible for food damage. They often bore into wood or soft materials to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: Considered a common household pest that can contaminate stored food products and damage items like taxidermy or wool. Benefit: In nature, they serve as important decomposers, helping to break down animal remains.

Identified on: 3/14/2026