Dermestes lardarius and Dermestes peruvianus are barely distinguishable in appearance. They are both around 6 to 10 mm long and have virtually the same colouring. Beetles and larvae are primarily blackish brown, and the common larder beetle also has a light rusty brown band across its wing cases. The females of both beetle species each lay up to 200 eggs on food. This means that in favourable conditions five to six generations of beetle can develop each year. Both beetles and larvae are relatively sensitive to the cold.
Infestation with larder and hide beetles is usually apparent from their clearly visible, long-haired larval skins. The larvae often occur in large numbers, and are mostly found in dry dog and cat food. They also destroy hides and leather by eating them from the inside. Textiles can also be infested. Additionally damage can be caused to wood, cork and other insulating materials, when the larvae bore into them to pupate.
Preventive measures and controls
