All this type of beetle are of the Family Dermestidae. The members of this family live primarily on the dried remains of plants and animals. Many species live, for example, on cartilage and dried meat, and some can utilise hair and feathers. This way of life will of course bring them into contact with human interests, for they frequently attack dried foodstuffs.

Description:
The adult larder beetle is dark brown and approximately 1/3 inch in length. The basal halves of the wing covers are densely covered with coarse, pale yellow hairs. Six dark spots are usually in the yellow band. The undersurface of the body and legs are covered with fine yellow hairs.

Lifecycle:
Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons; indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year. Eggs are laid in batches of 6-8, with the total per female being about 200. The larvae are dark coloured and covered with dark brown hairs. It is characterised by two curved spines on the last body segment. Like the adult, the larva is densely covered with hairs. The larvae pass through five or six moults (five times if male, and six if female), during the 35 to 80 days of their lives.

Click here to continue