Larder Beetle vs Rugose Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Larder Beetle Rugose Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Dermestes lardarius Anotylus rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Dermestidae Staphylinidae
Size 6-10 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Scavengers
Regions Worldwide Cosmopolitan: Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas, Australasia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Larder Beetle

A dark brown beetle with a pale band across its elytra, commonly found in stored food products. Larvae are covered in bristly hairs.

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Did You Know?

Forensic entomologists use its presence on remains to help estimate time of death.

Rugose Rove Beetle

A small, dark oxytelline rove beetle with a heavily rugose (wrinkled) surface texture. It is extremely common in dung and decaying organic matter across much of the temperate world.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the most cosmopolitan beetle species in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica.