Keratin-feeders
Guides
Anthrenini
Anthrenini is a tribe of carpet beetles within the family Dermestidae, subfamily Megatominae. The tribe contains at least 100 described species, primarily in the genus Anthrenus, with one additional monotypic genus Dermeanthrenus. Members are small beetles known for feeding on keratinous materials including wool, fur, feathers, and dried animal products. Several species are significant household and museum pests worldwide.
Dermestidae
skin beetles, carpet beetles, larder beetles, hide beetles, leather beetles, khapra beetles
Dermestidae is a family of beetles comprising approximately 1,700 to 1,800 described species worldwide. Adults are small (1–12 mm), typically oval to rounded, with antennae that are clubbed and usually concealed in thoracic grooves. The family exhibits exceptional diversity in feeding ecology: larvae of most species are scavengers specialized on dry organic matter, particularly keratin-rich materials including animal hair, feathers, hides, wool, and silk. Certain genera have evolved highly specific associations, such as Thaumaglossa in mantid egg cases. The family includes significant economic pests (carpet beetles, khapra beetle), forensic indicators (hide beetles), and beneficial species used in taxidermy and museum specimen preparation. Larvae of subfamily Megatominae possess distinctive defensive hastisetae—barbed, spear-tipped setae that detach to entangle predators.
Tineidae
fungus moths, tineid moths, clothes moths
Tineidae is a large family of moths containing over 3,000 species across more than 300 genera. Members are commonly known as fungus moths or clothes moths, reflecting their diverse larval feeding habits. The family is notable for its unusual dietary breadth among Lepidoptera: most larvae feed on fungi, lichens, and detritus rather than living plants, though some species have adapted to keratin-based materials including stored fabrics, feathers, and even tortoise shells. Several species are significant household pests, while others play important roles in decomposition.
Trogidae
hide beetles, keratin beetles, skin beetles
Trogidae is a family of scarabaeoid beetles commonly known as hide beetles or keratin beetles. The family contains approximately 300 species in four or five genera, distributed worldwide. Members are characterized by a distinctive rough, warty, or bumpy exoskeleton and are specialized scavengers of dried animal remains, feeding on skin, feathers, fur, and connective tissue. They are among the last insects to colonize carcasses, appearing only after decomposition has advanced to the dry remains stage. The family's taxonomic placement remains debated, with some authorities treating it as a subfamily (Troginae) within Scarabaeidae.