Dermestes lardarius
Biology: This species can be found on carrion, in wasp nests and in bird nests, with a preference for bird nests in tree hollows. These beetles can also feed on plant material. The species most likely originate from Europe. The optimum temperature is 25°C or slightly higher and the minimum is about 15°C. The upper temperature limit is 30°C. They can develop in humidities of at least 40% RH and their optimum seems to near 80% RH.
Dermestes lardarius:
Distribution: Cosmopolitan.
Origin: Europe, Netherlands. In my care since 2019.
Description: The adults are 7 to 9,5 mm long. The elytra are black with a very recognizable orange band across them. There are three dark spots per elytron within the band. The underside of the adult beetles are dark coloured. Full-grown larvae are 10 to 15 mm long. The colour of a larva is brown with light-brown bands deviating the different segments of the body.
EN: Larder beetle,
Bacon beetle,
Moisture Bug
NL: Gewone spekkever
Echte spektor
DE: Gemeiner Speckkäfer
FR: Dermeste du lard
ES: Escarabajo de las despensas
DK: Flæskeklan
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