Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in pantries or near dead organic matter; also found outdoors in nests of birds, wasps, or animals.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on high-protein animal products including dried meats, cheese, pet food, feathers, skins, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They undergo complete metamorphosis. Adults are often seen in the spring and early summer. The larvae do most of the feeding and may bore into wood or hard materials to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are common household pests that contaminate food and can cause structural damage during pupation. Benefit: In the ecosystem, they serve as scavengers by breaking down animal remains.

Identified on: 3/23/2026