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.