Larder Beetle

Found indoors in pantries, kitchens, and food storage areas, as well as outdoors in bird/mammal nests or near animal carcasses.

Larvae and adults feed on high-protein animal products including dried meats, leather, pet food, cheese, feathers, and dead insects.

They are scavengers that undergo complete metamorphosis; they are known for boring into soft wood or insulation to create pupation chambers, which can cause structural damage.

They are significant structural and pantry pests that can contaminate stored food and damage animal-based household items; they serve an ecosystem benefit by aiding in the decomposition of animal remains.