Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with stored food products, animal remains, or hides. Outdoors, they can be found in nests of birds or mammals.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on dried animal products such as dried meats, cheese, pet food, feathers, furs, and even taxidermy specimens. Larvae are particularly destructive feeders.

Behavior Patterns

Adult larder beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows. Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They undergo complete metamorphosis, with larvae molting multiple times before pupating. The life cycle can take 40-50 days under optimal conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a pest, especially in homes, food processing plants, and museums, due to their ability to damage stored food products, textiles, and animal-derived materials. They do not typically bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits: In natural ecosystems, they play a role in decomposition, helping to break down animal carcasses.

Identified on: 9/20/2025