Megatoma

Herbst, 1791

Species Guides

Megatoma ampla(carpet beetle)
Megatoma perversa
Megatoma pubescens(Pubescent Carpet Beetle)
Megatoma variegata(carpet beetle)

Megatoma is a of dermestid beetles ( Dermestidae) distributed across the Palearctic, Near East, and Nearctic regions. The genus contains approximately 23 described , including the well-studied Megatoma undata (Linnaeus, 1758). Species within this genus are associated with stored products and natural where they feed on dried organic matter. Larval stages have been documented in detail for some species, showing characteristic dermestid with specialized setae.

Megatoma perversa by (c)
University of Alaska Museum, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Megatoma pubescens by (c) Bennett Grappone, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bennett Grappone. Used under a CC-BY license.

Megatoma variegata by (c)
NHM Beetles and Bugs, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Megatoma: //ˌmɛɡəˈtoʊmə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Native to the Palearctic (including Europe), the Near East, and the Nearctic. Specific distribution records include Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE).

Life Cycle

Development proceeds through , larval, pupal, and stages. Larvae of Megatoma undata possess hastisetae (characteristic spear-tipped setae) and exhibit distinct morphological features including specialized , , , , and labial palps. Pupae show defined tergal structures with antecostal . Acid phosphatase activity peaks during the pupal stage, indicating active metabolic processes during .

Behavior

of Megatoma (as documented for Attagenus megatoma) exhibit negative immediately after , becoming photopositive later in adult life after the main oviposition period. This behavioral shift correlates with structural changes in the .

Human Relevance

Some have economic importance as pests of stored products. Megatoma undata has documented economic significance. The has been studied for its role as a for gregarine (Pyxinia frenzeli), contributing to understanding of parasite-host relationships in stored product insects.

Similar Taxa

AttagenusFormerly included some Megatoma (e.g., Attagenus megatoma now Megatoma); separation based on morphological and molecular characters placing species in Megatoma
TrogodermaBoth are dermestid with similar larval and stored product associations; Megatoma distinguished by specific antennal and setal characteristics