Larder beetle

Classification

Secondary pest; Grain feeder and scavenger
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Dermestidae
Acronym: DLA

Description

• Adults are 7 to 9 mm long and covered with dense hairs.
• Pattern on the elytra is distinctive: a wavy pale buff band with 3 black spots across the top half of the elytra.
• Adult's underside is covered in grey hairs.
• Larvae are yellow brown and cylindrical, covered with dense hairs.
• Larvae reach a length of 20 mm at maturity.

Similar species

• Other species of Dermestidae may be morphologically similar but the pattern on the elytra is distinctive

Commodities affected

• Feeds on feathers, skins, hair, ham, bacon, dried and processed meats, decayed meat, cheese, wool
• Feeds on museum specimens, dried insects, stuffed birds
• Is a scavenger on dead insects/animals in stored grain
• May feed on vegetable products with high protein

Signs of infestation

• Presence of cast skins
• Holes bored by larvae

Damage

• Larder beetle causes damage to skins, hides and other materials by burrowing into them
• Infested commodities are contaminated with cast skins, faeces and insect bodies
• Mature larvae are able to bore into wood or plaster, causing weakening of structures

How to control

• Control grain insect pests

Geographic range

• Is found worldwide
• Is widely distributed in Canada

Where found

• Is frequently found in granaries, grain elevators, warehouses and dwellings
• May be serious pests in the poultry industry
• Is a common household pest

Life history

• Adults are attracted to lights and fly readily.
• Females lay eggs singly or in batches amongst the foodstuff.
• Larvae move actively through the food source.