Larder beetle

Natural Habitat

Typically found indoors in pantries, kitchens, and areas where dried animal products are stored, or outdoors in bird and mammal nests.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on high-protein organic materials including dried meats, cheese, pet food, animal hides, feathers, and dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers and attracted to light. Females lay eggs near food sources, and larvae are known to bore into hard surfaces like wood or insulation to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a significant household pest as it contaminates and destroys food supplies; however, they play a beneficial role in nature by decomposing animal carcasses.

Identified on: 6/5/2026