Larder Beetle

Scientific Name: Dermestes lardarius

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 7 to 9 mm (approximately 1/3 inch) in length.

Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors near food sources (pantries, kitchens) and outdoors in nests or near carrion.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on high-protein animal products including dried meats, cheeses, feathers, fur, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active insects that lay eggs near food sources; larvae are known for boring into soft wood or plaster to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pest of stored food and can cause structural damage during pupation. Benefits: Act as natural decomposers in the wild by recycling animal matter.

Identified on: 1/8/2026