Larder Beetle

Often found indoors in pantries, kitchens, and areas where dried animal products, pet food, or dead insects are present. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds/mammals, or carrion.

Scavengers. They feed on a variety of animal products, including dried meats, cheeses, cured fish, pet food, feathers, hides, wool, and dead insects. They are also known to feed on plants and seeds if animal products are scarce.

Adult larder beetles are attracted to lights and often fly. Larvae are more destructive than adults, boring into food sources and sometimes softer materials like wood to pupate. They are typically nocturnal and can be found in dark, undisturbed areas. Larvae are covered in bristles and have two prominent spines on their rear end.

Potential risks include contamination and damage to stored food products, especially dried meats and pet food. They can also damage non-food items containing animal products. They are generally not harmful to humans directly but can be a significant household pest. From an ecological perspective, they aid in decomposition, acting as scavengers.