Larder beetle

Pronunciation
/LAHR-der bee-tl/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Larder beetle
Plural
Larder beetles

Definition

A species of beetle, Dermestes lardarius, known for infesting and feeding on stored food products, animal hides, and other organic materials.

Etymology

From 'larder', an old English word referring to a place where food is stored, and 'beetle', from Old English 'bitela', meaning 'biter'.

Example

Larder beetles are often found in pantries and kitchens, where they feed on a variety of stored food products.

Synonyms

  • Dermestes lardarius

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Larder beetles can cause significant damage to stored food and organic materials. Effective control measures include good sanitation and proper storage practices.