Dermestidae

Definition

A family of beetles (order Coleoptera) commonly known as skin beetles, carpet beetles, larder beetles, or hide beetles. Adults are typically pollen- and nectar-feeders, while larvae are scavengers on dried animal matter including wool, leather, hides, and carrion. The family includes over 1,800 described species in six subfamilies, with larvae of several species being significant pests of stored products, textiles, and museum specimens. Dermestid beetles are also widely used in forensic entomology to estimate postmortem intervals based on their predictable colonization of carcasses.

Etymology

From genus Dermestes (Greek derma 'skin' + estes 'eater') + family suffix -idae.

Example

Dermestes maculatus and related species are employed by museums and forensic investigators to clean skeletal remains because their larvae efficiently consume soft tissue while leaving bone undamaged.

Synonyms

• Skin beetles
• carpet beetles
• larder beetles
• hide beetles

Related Terms

• Coleoptera
• Polyphaga
• Forensic entomology
• Anthrenus
• Trogoderma
• museum pest
• carrion beetle

Usage Notes

The common name 'carpet beetle' applies most specifically to Anthrenus species, while 'larder beetle' typically refers to Dermestes lardarius; 'dermestid' serves as the general vernacular for any member of the family. Dermestidae are distinguished from other carrion-associated beetles by their preference for desiccated rather than fresh remains. In taxonomy, the family is placed in superfamily Bostrichoidea, infraorder Bostrichiformia.