Dermestidae Collection

Dermestes lardarius, larder beetle
The larder beetle is a small, dark-coloured beetle with grey and black markings. Body length 7 mm, scale indicated by pin head on the right

Carpet beetle antenna, SEM C014 / 0348
Carpet beetle (family Dermestidae) antenna, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). It is covered in many sensory hairs for the detection of movement and smell

Carpet beetle, SEM C014 / 0347
Carpet beetle (family Dermestidae), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). A pair of compound eyes (green) are seen, with a pair of antennae between them

Dermestes maculatus Degeer, hide beetle
Figure 391. a line drawing of a hide or leather beetle

Dermestes maculatus, flesh-eating beetle
The flesh-eating beetle, also known as the hide or leather beetle. This species has been introduced to the Natural History Museum in order to strip the flesh from carcases to reveal the skeleton

Dermestes lardarius, larder beetle
Scanning electron microscope image of a larder beetle (x22). These beetles are important for the damage they do, mainly through feeding on animal matter. Coloured artificially by computer

Carpet beetle larva hairs, SEM
Beetle larva hairs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of hairs from a carpet beetle larva (family Dermestidae). These spear-headed hairs can often cause irritation when they come into

Carpet beetle larva hair, SEM
Beetle larva hair. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a hair from a carpet beetle larva (family Dermestidae). Large numbers of these spear-headed hairs can cause irritation when they come

Carpet beetle hair, SEM
Carpet beetle hair. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the spear-headed hair (hastisetae) of a carpet beetle larva (family Dermestidae)

Carpet beetle larval hairs, SEM
Carpet beetle larval hairs. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the hairs of a carpet beetle (family Dermestidae). Carpet beetle larvae are found in the dirtier areas of homes

Carpet beetle, SEM
Carpet beetle (family Dermestidae), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Two compound eyes (green) are seen, with a pair of antennae between them

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"Dermestidae: Unveiling the World of Flesh-Eating Beetles and Carpet Beetles" Dermestidae, a fascinating family of beetles, encompasses various species that have captured the attention of entomologists worldwide. Among them is Dermestes lardarius, commonly known as the larder beetle. With its distinctive black body adorned with yellowish-orange markings, this beetle has become a common inhabitant of pantries and food storage areas. Intriguingly, these beetles are not alone in their unique characteristics. The carpet beetle antenna (SEM C014 / 0348) showcases intricate details that aid in their sensory perception. Similarly, the SEM image (C014 / 0347) reveals the astonishing beauty hidden within a carpet beetle's exoskeleton. Another notable member of this family is Dermestes maculatus - an aptly named flesh-eating beetle. These scavengers play an essential role in nature by consuming decaying animal matter and accelerating decomposition processes. Their presence may be unsettling to some due to their diet preferences; however, they serve as valuable contributors to ecosystems. The hide beetle variant of Dermestes maculatus Degeer possesses distinct features that set it apart from its counterparts. Its ability to feed on dried animal hides has made it notorious among taxidermists and collectors alike. While both D. Maculatus and D. Lardarius share similarities in appearance and dietary habits, each species holds its own significance within the ecosystem they inhabit. Observing these creatures at different stages can be equally captivating – from larvae resembling tiny fuzzy caterpillars (as seen through SEM imaging), to fully developed adults showcasing their striking colors and patterns. Understanding Dermestidae goes beyond mere fascination; it aids researchers in forensic investigations where these insects often play crucial roles in determining postmortem intervals or identifying remains found at crime scenes.