Hide beetle larva Dermestes sp.
Full grown larva, two small hooks at the back end
Size: 1mm when first hatched to 15mm when full grown
Shape: Torpedo shaped, tapered to the rear end.
Colour: Dark, with creamy bands sometimes visible
Antennae: Not visible
Distinguishing features: Bands of spiky hairs. Two curved "horns" called urogomphi, at the back end.
Hide beetle larvae are very difficult to distinguish from one another as the key feature is the shape of the urogomphi.
Larvae are pests of: dried animal protein such as dead rodents and birds. Larvae of D. peruvianus will also eat human food debris. When fully grown, they may tunnel into wood to pupate.
D. lardarius often found in chimney flues of historic houses. D. peruvianus is often found in mess rooms/catering areas.
Size: 1mm when first hatched to 15mm when full grown
Shape: Torpedo shaped, tapered to the rear end.
Colour: Dark, with creamy bands sometimes visible
Antennae: Not visible
Distinguishing features: Bands of spiky hairs. Two curved "horns" called urogomphi, at the back end.
Hide beetle larvae are very difficult to distinguish from one another as the key feature is the shape of the urogomphi.
Larvae are pests of: dried animal protein such as dead rodents and birds. Larvae of D. peruvianus will also eat human food debris. When fully grown, they may tunnel into wood to pupate.
D. lardarius often found in chimney flues of historic houses. D. peruvianus is often found in mess rooms/catering areas.
Hide beetle larva Dermestes sp.
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