Leather Beetle

Dermestes maculatus

Appearance

Leather Beetle
  • 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.