
Community identification
Larder Beetle
Dermestes lardarius
- Order & Family
- Order Coleoptera, Family Dermestidae
- Size
- 7 to 9 mm (approximately 1/3 inch)
Natural Habitat
Domestic settings, specifically pantries, kitchens, and areas where cured meats or animal products are stored.
Diet & Feeding
High-protein animal products including dried meats, cheese, feathers, hair, skin, and dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are active in late spring and early summer; larvae are the primary feeders and can bore into soft wood or insulation to pupate.
Risks & Benefits
Common household pest that can contaminate food supplies and cause minor structural damage during pupation; they serve as natural scavengers in the wild.