A to Z of Pests

Leather Beetle

Dermestes maculatus

Appearance

• Adult – 6–10mm in length. Uppermost is black, underside is white.
• Larva – as D. lardarius but with an orange stripe running down the length of the back.

Lifecycle

• 2–3 months at 18–25°C.

Habits

• Feeds on various animal products and dried fish. Pupates in solid material, e.g. wood.
• The quantity of white on the underside may vary according to species.
• Adults fly readily.