Larder Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in pantries, kitchens, and areas with stored food; outdoors in bird or rodent nests and near animal carcasses.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on high-protein materials including dried meats, cheese, pet food, animal skins, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers and are attracted to the odors of decaying organic matter; larvae are known for boring into wood or mortar to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant structural and pantry pests that can damage stored goods; however, they serve an ecosystem role as decomposers by breaking down animal remains.

Identified on: 6/6/2026