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.