What's Eating Your Collection?

Larder beetle Dermestes lardarius

Adult beetle


Size: About 10mm 

Shape: Oval

Colour: Dull black with a creamish band on the wing cases

Antennae: short, 3 segmented club

Distinguishing features: very distinct pattern across wing cases

Larvae are pests of: dried animal protein

Damage is: occasionally tunnels for pupation

Adults eat: very little

Often found: associated with dead rodents and birds in houses. 

Historically a pest of stored ham.


Larder beetle Dermestes lardarius

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