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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: saprophagous
Immatures: saprophagous
Size: 1 to 12 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American
Species: 129
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Coleoptera Dermestidae
Dermestid or skin beetles
Front Wings: hardened
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: clubbed
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
The Dermestidae are oval or elongate-oval beetles. Most are dark coloured and some species are covered with scales or setae. The larvae are usually brownish and are covered with long hair.
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Comments: The larvae and adults of most species are scavengers and feed on plant and animal matter including leather, furs, skins, museum specimens, wool, silk and stored food materials. Some species are very destructive and economically important, and the damage is often caused by the larval stage. Some species are found on flowers and feed on pollen.
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Species:
Dermestes lardarius Linnaeus
Common Name:
Larder beetle
Feeding Habits: The larvae feed on a range of stored foods including meats and cheese.
Distribution:
Widespread in Canada.
Comments:
This species is a pest of stored animal products. Occasionally it also damages specimens in insect collections. It is about 6 to 9 mm in length.
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