Common Name: Larder Beetle Latin Name:
Dermestes lardarius Linnaeus, 1758
(R. Bercha, det.)
Length: 6 - 10 mm
Range:
Alberta
Habitat: Various
Time of year seen: Year
round indoors and in the spring outdoors
Diet: Adults - flower pollen; Larva - food/items made
from animal by products including: animal hides, dried meat, dry pet food,
feathers and wool.
Other: Of the Dermestid beetles found in
Alberta, D. lardarius - the Larder Beetle is perhaps the one most
commonly encountered. This beetle species is native to Alberta and is
considered a pest. Adults are
typically found in the springtime when they fly into houses in search of
sources of animal protein to lay eggs on. While the adults typically eat
flower pollen, the larva are veracious consumers of any animal based
products including: animal hides, woolen items (ie carpets and clothing),
dried and preserved meat, dry pet food, insect remains and feathers. Outdoors the
larva and adults maybe found on dried animal carcasses. The adults are
attracted to light at night. (www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/larder.htm.
& White, 1983) |