Larder beetles '' The larva of the larder beetle
Dermestes lardarius is longer than the adult and is covered in reddish brown or black setae. It has two back-curved, spine-like appendages on the
posterior end. The larva of the black larder beetle has less strongly curved appendages. Larder beetles are infrequent household pests. Adults and larvae feed on raw skins and hides. Adult larder beetles are generally 1/3 to 3/8 of an inch long and are dark brown with a broad, pale yellow spotted band across the upper portion of the
elytra. There are three black dots arranged in a triangle shape on each wing. The
sternum and legs of the larder beetle are covered in fine, yellow setae. Adult larder beetles are typically found outdoors in protected areas during the winter, but during the spring and early summer they enter buildings. Females lay approximately 135 eggs near a food source, and the eggs will hatch in about 12 days. The life cycle of larder beetles lasts around 40 to 50 days.
Hide beetle (leather beetle) Dermestes maculatus, known as the hide beetle, leather beetle, or skin beetle, feeds on raw skins and hides like the larder beetle. Its life cycle is 60 to 70 days and the female can lay up to 800 eggs. The larvae of the carpet beetle are often referred to as "woolly bears" or "buffalo moths".
Black carpet beetle The
black carpet beetle,
Attagenus megatoma, is a widely known stored product pest and one of the most destructive because of its potential damage to household products containing
keratin, which is a protein found in animal hair and feathers. They are also able to burrow through various types of
food packaging, allowing passage for other insects. Females can lay up to 90 eggs and they hatch in about 8 to 15 days. Generally, this species only has one generation a year. The average adult size is about 2.8 to 5 mm long and they are oval, dark brown to shiny-black in color, and have brown legs. Females can lay up to 40 eggs and the number of larval instars is seven or eight. The time it takes to become an adult varies from about eight months to a year. In addition, the adults can live around 2 to 6 weeks. This species varies in shape, size, color, and pattern of scales. On average, the adults are 2 to 3 mm in length and have scales that vary from white, brown, yellow, or even gray-yellow. The khapra beetle is a stored-product pest. Infestations are difficult to control because they crawl into cracks and crevices, remaining for long periods of time. They tend to infest grains and create serious losses to stored products. The adults are covered with setae and are approximately 1.5 to 3 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide. Male khapra beetles are brown to black with reddish brown markings on the elytra. Females are slightly larger and are lighter in color. The short, 11 segmented antennae has a club of 3 to 5 segments, which fit into a groove on the side of the
pronotum. ==Control==