Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas, or outdoors in dead animal carcasses and bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on high-protein organic materials including dried meats, cheese, pet food, animal skins, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are scavenger beetles that undergo complete metamorphosis; larvae are very active, hairy, and do most of the feeding. Adults are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

A common kitchen pest that can contaminate stored food products; however, they play an ecological role as decomposers by recycling protein-rich organic matter.

Identified on: 5/11/2026