Red-legged Ham Beetle

Necrobia rufipes belongs to Cleridae, the checkered-beetle family. [3]

Adults are about 4.5 mm long, with a metallic blue-green body, orange-red legs and reddish antennae ending in a black three-segmented club. The pronotum is narrower than the wing-cover bases. [1]

The species occurs worldwide with dried animal matter and stored foods, often sheltering in nearby cracks. [1]

Larvae have a red-brown head, pale abdomen and paired rear projections. They build a pupal chamber that may incorporate food particles. [1]

Foods include dried meat and fish, cheese, copra and nuts. Adults and larvae also consume other insects and their own species. [1]

Adults avoid light, move readily over food and can fly when disturbed. In the 2020 olfactometer experiments, adults were attracted to methyl cyclopentenolone and squalene. [1][2]

In the tested pet-food packaging, adults and larvae entered through air-vent valves at the bottom of the bags. The trials identified these existing openings as the route of entry. [2]

Predation includes cheese-skippers and hide beetles associated with the same stored foods. [1]

Keep the enclosure closed and display it in indirect light, away from heat and damp conditions. Handle the frame by its edges and clean only its exterior according to the maker’s instructions.