Larder Beetle (Larva)
Scientific Name: Dermestes lardarius
Order & Family: Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size: 10 mm to 13 mm (approx. 0.5 inches)
Natural Habitat
Pantries, kitchens, warehouses, and bird nests where dry animal proteins are stored.
Diet & Feeding
Scavenges on dead animal matter, cured meats, dried fish, cheese, feathers, and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are active crawlers that avoid light. They often bore into soft wood, insulation, or plaster to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Serious pest of stored foods and organic museum specimens. Benefits: Acts as a decomposer in nature by recycling organic remains.
Identified on: 6/11/2026