Black Larder Beetle
Dermestes ater
This record describes Dermestes ater (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
on carrion, etc.
Geographic Range
native to the Old World (origin unknown; non-native in Europe), now cosmopolitan , adventive and widespread in NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae and adults feed on wide variety of materials of animal origin, on other insects, and probably also on copra and other vegetable matter ( 5 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes ater. 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 Black Larder Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Larder Beetle
How big is Black Larder Beetle?
7–9 mm
Where is Black Larder Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on carrion, etc. |
| Range | native to the Old World (origin unknown; non-native in Europe), now cosmopolitan , adventive and widespread in NA |
What does Black Larder Beetle eat?
The diet of the Black Larder Beetle includes larvae and adults feed on wide variety of materials of animal origin, on other insects, and probably also on copra and other vegetable matter ( 5 ).