Larder Beetle - Dermestes lardarius

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 under surface of the body and legs are covered with fine yellow hairs.

May be found indoors or out wherever a food source is available.

All year round.

As the name suggests, it is a household pest feeding on dried foods, also bacon, cheese etc. Apparently it can also develop in birds' nests, wasp nests and dry corpses. Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons; indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year.

Widespread and fairly common in England and Wales.

Infrequent or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were only 7 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.