Bug Identifier
Incadescent Black Larder Beetle
Community identification

Incadescent Black Larder Beetle

Dermestes ater

Order & Family
Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
Size
7mm to 9mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments such as kitchens, pantries, and storage areas; outdoor habitats include bird or rodent nests and carrion.

Diet & Feeding

Scavengers that feed on high-protein organic materials including dried meats, fish, pet food, cheese, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

They are active primarily at night and are attracted to light. Larvae do most of the feeding and may bore into hard materials like wood or insulation to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant structural and pantry pests that can damage stored food products and household items. They are not harmful to humans directly but can cause skin irritation via larval hairs.