Larder Beetle
Dermestes lardarius
This record describes Dermestes lardarius (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Color terms |
|
|---|---|
| Other recorded terms |
|
Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Dermestes lardarius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermestes_lardarius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Genus
- Dermestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be found indoors or out wherever a food source is available.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
As the name suggests, it is a household pest feeding on dried foods, also bacon, cheese etc. Apparently it can also develop in birds' nests, wasp nests and dry corpses. Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons; indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes lardarius. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Larder Beetle (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Larder Beetle
How big is Larder Beetle?
5mm to 8mm (0.19" to 0.31")
Where is Larder Beetle found?
Habitat: May be found indoors or out wherever a food source is available.
When is Larder Beetle active?
Larder Beetle: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Larder Beetle?
As the name suggests, it is a household pest feeding on dried foods, also bacon, cheese etc. Apparently it can also develop in birds' nests, wasp nests and dry corpses. Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons; indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year.