Larder Beetle vs South American Velvet Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Larder Beetle | South American Velvet Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dermestes lardarius | Traumatomutilla indica |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Dermestidae | Mutillidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 15-22 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | South America |
| 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.
Did You Know?
Forensic entomologists use its presence on remains to help estimate time of death.
South American Velvet Ant
A large tropical velvet ant with striking black and orange patterns. Despite its species name, it is native to South America and not India.
Did You Know?
Its species name 'indica' was assigned in error and does not reflect its true South American distribution.