What is Dermestidae?
Q: What is Dermestidae?
A: Dermestidae is a family of Coleoptera, also known as skin beetles, larder beetles, hide beetles, leather beetles, carpet beetles, and khapra beetles, with 500 to 700 species.
Q: How big are Dermestids?
A: Dermestids can be up to 1-12 mm in length.
Q: What do Dermestids eat?
A: Most dermestids are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material. This includes skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects, and natural fibers.
Q: Where can Dermestids be found living?
A: Dermestids can be found living in dead animals and feeding on them. Others can be found living in mammal, bird, bee, or wasp nests. Thaumaglossa only lives in the egg cases of mantids.
Q: Can Dermestids be pests?
A: Yes, many Trogoderma species are pests that eat grain. Many species are also pests which can damage natural fibers in homes and businesses.
Q: What is the use of Dermestids in forensic investigations?
A: The beetles found living in dead animals are studied in criminal investigations (forensic entomology).
Q: How are Dermestids used by natural history museums?
A: Dermestids are sometimes used by natural history museums to clean animal skeletons.
