Western Water Penny vs Larder Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Western Water Penny | Larder Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psephenus falli | Dermestes lardarius |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Psephenidae | Dermestidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm (adults) | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western North America | Worldwide |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Western Water Penny
A water penny beetle restricted to clean mountain streams in western North America. Its disc-shaped larvae are indicators of high water quality.
Did You Know?
The presence of water penny larvae is used by biologists as a reliable indicator that a stream is unpolluted.
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.