Dermestidae
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2008-07-14T09:53:56Z
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{{Taxobox
| name = Dermestid Beetles
| image = Anthrenus verbasci 1 (aka).jpg
| image_width = 260px
| image_caption = Varied Carpet Beetle (''Anthrenus verbasci'')
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Arthropod]]a
| classis = [[Insect]]a
| ordo = [[Beetle|Coleoptera]]
| infraordo = [[Bostrichiformia]]
| superfamilia = [[Bostrichoidea]]
| familia = '''Dermestidae'''
| familia_authority =
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subfamilies]]
| subdivision =
[[Anthreninae]] <small>(disputed)</small><br />
[[Dermestinae]]<br />
[[Marioutinae]]<br />
[[Megatominae]]<br />
}}
'''Dermestidae''' are a family of [[Coleoptera]] that are commonly referred to as '''''skin beetles.''''' Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, carpet beetles, and khapra beetles. There are approximately 500 to 700 species worldwide. They can range in size from 1-12 mm. Key characteristics for adults are round oval shaped bodies covered in scales or [[setae]].<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]
</ref> The (usually) clubbed [[Antenna (biology)|antennae]] fit into deep grooves. The hind [[Arthropod leg|femora]] also fit into recesses of the [[Arthropod leg|coxa]]. Larvae are [[Scarabaeidae|scarabaeiform]] and also have setae.
Dermestids have a variety of habits; most genera are [[scavenger]]s that feed on dry animal or plant material such as skin or [[pollen]], animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibers. Members of ''[[Dermestes]]'' are found in animal carcasses, while others may be found in [[mammal]], [[bird]], [[bee]], or [[wasp]] nests. ''[[Thaumaglossa]]'' only lives in the egg cases of [[mantid]]s, while ''[[Trogoderma]]'' species are pests of [[cereal|grain]].
These beetles are significant in [[forensic entomology]]. Some species are known to be associated with decaying carcasses which help with criminal investigations. Also some species are pests ([[Home stored product entomology|urban entomology]]) and can cause millions of dollars in damage to natural fibers in homes and to major businesses.
They are used in [[natural history museum]]s to clean animal skeletons. Some dermestid species, commonly called "bow bugs," infest [[violin]] cases, feeding on the [[Bow (music)|bow]] hair.
==Forensic relevance==
===Urban and stored products===
Dermestid [[beetles]] are destructive to a number of common items. Natural animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur, or feathers are more prone to attack than synthetic fibers.<ref> P.G. Koehler and F.M. Oi (1991). [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG089 Carpet Beetles]. University of Florida IFAS Extension </ref> Dermestids are also known to attack chocolate, corpora, and cocoa beans.<ref> Walker, K. (2008). [http://www.padil.gov.au/viewPest.aspx?id=443 Hide Beetle]. Pest and Diseases Image Library</ref> Most damage is done by the [[larval]] stage of the beetle, while adults feed on flowers and shrubs.<ref>[http://www.amalpest.com.au/asp/index.asp?page=factsheets&sid=5&cid=258&gid=46&id=65 Stored Product Pests: Common Hide Beetle]. Amalgamated Pest Control.</ref>
===Medicolegal===
''Dermestes maculatus'', hide beetles, also have the potential to offer investigators an estimation of the time since death in homicide or questionable cases.<ref> Catts, E. P., and M. L. Goff. 1992. Forensic entomology in criminal investigations. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 37: 252-272.</ref><ref> Goff, M.L., 1993. Estimation of postmortem interval using arthropod development and successional patterns. Forensic Sci. Rev. 5: 82-94. </ref> Similar to the use of flies in forensic entomology, the arrival of ''D. maculatus'' to [[carrion]] occurs in a predictable succession. Adult ''D. maculatus'' beetles generally arrive 5 to 11 days after death.<ref> Richards, E. N., and M. L. Goff. 1997. Arthropod succession on exposed carrion in three contrasting tropical habitats on Hawaii Islands, Hawaii. J. Med. Entomol. 34: 328-339. </ref> In an attempt to refine this relatively wide range, recent research has repeated arthropod succession studies.<ref> Vitta, A. et. al. 2007. A preliminary study on insects associated with pig (''Sus scrofa'') carcasses in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand. ''Tropical Biomedicine'' 24(2): 1-5 (2007).</ref><ref> Velazquez, Yelitza. 2007. A checklist of arthropods associated with rat carrion in a montane locality of northern Venezuela. Forensic Science International. 174 (2008) 67-69.</ref> These studies are applied to estimate the arrival of various species of Dermestidae after death. Development for Dermestids is temperature dependent, and the optimal temperature for ''D. maculatus'' is 30˚C. Development data is normalized using [[Accumulated Degree Days]].<ref> Richardson, M. S., Goff, M. L., Effects of Temperature and Intraspecific Interaction on the Development of Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae. J. Med. Entomol. 38(3): 347-351 (2001) </ref> Dermestids can also be used in cases involving [[entomotoxicology]], where feces and shed larval skins can be analyzed for toxins.
''D. maculatus'' collected from raccoon carcass:
<gallery>
Image:Dermestidae_1.jpg|Lateral view ''(Dermestes maculatus)''
Image:Dermestidae_2.jpg|Head view ''(D. maculatus)''
Image:Dermestidae_7.jpg|Ventral view ''(D. maculatus)''
Image:Dermestidae_6.jpg|Dorsal view ''(D. maculatus)''
</gallery>
==General larval characteristics==
Dermestid larvae boast a complete or [[holometabolous]] development, which include an [[Egg (biology)|egg]], [[larvae]], [[pupa]], and [[adult]] stage. As opposed to [[ametabolous]] or [[hemimetabolous]] development, the larvae’s wings start off as internal wing pads and as development progresses, the wings begin to develop externally. Dermestid larvae are profoundly covered with varying lengths of [[setae]] that give a general “fluffy” appearance.<ref name=solution> [http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref> The larvae are generally dark brown to black and possess a pair of spine like appendages on the terminal end of the [[abdomen]]. Most beetle larvae have chewing mouthparts,<ref>[http://www.deathonline.net/decomposition/corpse_fauna/beetles/larvae.htm Corpse Fauna: Bettle Larvae]. Decomposition.</ref> an obvious head capsule which is [[sclerotized]], as well as 3 pairs of well developed [[thoracic]] legs that easily distinguish them from [[Diptera]] [[maggots]]. The larvae’s size depends on the species and is typically less than 1/2 of an inch. Most larvae are found on human corpses during the dry and skeletal phases of [[decomposition]], which occurs several days after death.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref><ref>[http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:6oSRLOL1nT4J:www.clt.uwa.edu.au/__data/page/112507/fse07_forensic_entomology.pdf+hide+beetle+larder+beetle+forensic+entomology&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=us Forensic Entomology: Use of Insects to Help Solve Crime]. Forensic Investigations.
</ref> Larvae also move away from light and often hide in any cavity in order to remain undisturbed.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref>
==Selected [[taxa]]==
===Genera===
* ''[[Anthrenus]]''
* ''[[Attagenus]]''
* ''[[Dermestes]]''
* ''[[Trogoderma]]''
===Larder beetles===
The larder beetle, ''Dermestes lardarius'', larva is longer than the adult larder beetle and thickly covered with short and long setae which are reddish-brown to black in color. Along with the coloration is a white undersurface.<ref>[http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/prints/larderbeetleprint.html Larder Beetle]. University of Rhode Island Green Share Factsheets.</ref> They also have two spine-like appendages on the [[posterior]] end on the abdominal segment. A distinguishing feature of the spine is that it curves backward. The black larder beetle larvae possess the same general characteristics but instead of the spines curving, they extend backward and are not strongly curved.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref> Mature larvae of both species tend to bore into hard substrates such as wood, cork, and plaster in order to [[pupate]].<ref name=Lyon>Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
Larder beetles are infrequent pests of households.<ref name=solution>[http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref> Both adults and larvae feed on raw skins and hides. Adult larder beetles are generally 1/3 to 3/8 of an inch long and are dark brown with a broad, pale yellow spotted band across the upper portion of the [[elytra]]. Three black dots arrange in a triangle shape on each wing. The [[sternum (arthropod)|sternum]] and legs of the larder beetle are covered in fine, yellow setae. Adult larder beetles are typically found outdoors in protected areas during the winter but during the spring and early summer they enter buildings. Females lay approximately 135 eggs near a food source and will hatch in about 12 days. The life cycle of larder beetles lasts around 40 to 50 days.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
===Black larder or incinerator beetle===
The black larder or incinerator beetle, ''Dermestes ater'', is completely dark with scattered yellow setae on the body. They are similar to ''Dermestes maculatus'' but lack a serrated [[elytra]]. A distinctive feature is the [[ventral]] pattern is yellow instead of white. This beetle is a severe pest of fish, mushrooms, and cheese.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref><ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref><ref name=genus>[http://bugguide.net/node/view/6449 Genus Dermestes]. BugGuide. </ref>
===Hide/leather beetle===
The hide/leather beetle, ''Dermestes maculatus'', larvae are longer than their adult beetles. They are slim and altogether covered with short and long setae. As compared to the larder beetle, they are reddish-brown to black in color. In addition, they also possess two spine like appendages on their posterior end on their abdomen. An identifying feature about the spine is that it curves forward unlike the larder beetle.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
Hide beetles or leather beetles are also known as the skin beetles. Both adults and larvae of skin beetles feed on raw skins and hides like the larder beetles.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref> This species is distributed worldwide. The hide or leather beetle is similar in appearance to the larder beetle except the forewings are only dark brown and the sternum is mostly white with some black, which is a characteristic feature.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref><ref name=genus>[http://bugguide.net/node/view/6449 Genus Dermestes]. BugGuide. </ref><ref > Stuart M. Bennett (2003). [http://www.the-piedpiper.co.uk/th7q.htm ''Dermestes maculatus]''. </ref> Their life cycle lasts 60 to 70 days and the females can lay up to 800 eggs in their lifetime.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
The hide and larder beetles both feed on an assortment of animal protein based products and cause serious damage in the areas of silkworm production and museums.<ref name=solution>[http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref>
===Carpet beetle===
The carpet beetle larvae start to feed as soon as they hatch. They are carrot shaped and heavily covered with setae especially in their posterior end. The number of [[instars]] differ from 5-11 and in some cases reach up to 20. The black carpet beetle, ''Attagenus megatoma'', larvae may grow up to 1/2 inch (12 mm) and be yellow to brown in color. Other types of carpet beetles are regularly 1/4 to 1 inch (6 to 25 mm) in length and covered with dark setae. Certain species have distinctive tufts of setae extending from their posterior end. These beetles are attracted to soiled fabrics and crevices where dead insects may serve as a food source.<ref name=solution>[http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref><ref name=Ohio> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html Carpet Beetle]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.</ref>
===Black carpet beetle===
The [[black carpet beetle]], ''Attagenus megatoma'', is a widely known stored product pest and one of the most destructive because the damage caused to household products containing [[keratin]], which is a protein found in animal hair and feathers.<ref name=solution>[http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref><ref>[http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg154.html Dermestid Beetle]. Texas A&M University Entomology.</ref> They are also able to burrow through various food packaging allowing passage for other insects as well. Females can lay up to 90 eggs and they hatch in about 8 to 15 days. Generally this species only has one generation a year.<ref name=solution>[http://www.pestsolutionsplus.com/beetles.html Beetle Identification]. Pest Solutions Plus.</ref> The time it takes to become an adult varies from 6 months to a year. In addition, an adult black carpet beetle can live up for an additional 2 months.<ref name=california>[http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Coleoptera/Dermestidae/FamilyDermestidaePage.htm Exploring California Insects: Carpet or Museum Beetles].</ref> The average adult size is about 2.8 to 5 mm long and they are oval, dark brown to shiny-black in color, and have brown legs.<ref name=Ohio> Lyon, William, F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html Carpet Beetle]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.</ref><ref name=california>[http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Coleoptera/Dermestidae/FamilyDermestidaePage.htm Exploring California Insects: Carpet or Museum Beetles].</ref>
===Varied carpet beetle===
The [[varied carpet beetle]], ''Anthrenus verbasci'', attacks typical household objects. Carpet beetles are normally associated with things such as carpets, wool, furs, and any processed animal or plant food. Their appetite also includes dead insects, spiders, and even nectar and pollen. They are typically found throughout the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]{{Verify source|date=July 2008}}. Females can lay up to 40 eggs and the number of larval instars range from 7-8 stages. The time it takes to become an adult varies from about 8 months to a year. In addition, the adults can live around 2 to 6 weeks. This species varies in shape, size, color, and pattern of scales. On average, the adults are 2 to 3 mm in length and have scales that vary from white, brown, yellow, or even gray-yellow.<ref name=california>[http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Coleoptera/Dermestidae/FamilyDermestidaePage.htm Exploring California Insects: Carpet or Museum Beetles].</ref>
===Khapra beetle===
Upon hatching the larvae are around 1.6 to 1.8 mm long and mostly filled with dense setae. [[Khapra beetle]], ''Trogoderma granarium'', larvae contain characteristic body setae such as simple hairs and barbed hairs. Larvae are yellow-white but the head and body setae are brown. As the larvae further develop, their color changes to a golden or reddish brown and the abdomen portion becomes proportionally shorter. The mature larvae reach a maximum length of 6 mm long and 1.5 mm wide.<ref name=harris> Harris, D.L. (2006) [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN667 Khapra Beetle]. University of Florida IFAS Extension.</ref>
The khapra beetle is a stored-product pest. Infestations are difficult to control because they crawl into cracks and crevices, remaining for long periods of time.<ref name=harris> Harris, D.L. (2006) [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN667 Khapra Beetle]. University of Florida IFAS Extension.</ref> They tend to infest grains and create serious losses on stored products.<ref name=Byrd> Byrd, Jason. Castner, James (2001). [http://books.google.com/books?id=iAtRGA2IfcwC&pg=PA67&lpg=PA67&dq=dermestid+beetle+larvae+in+forensic&source=web&ots=kagzz9Ef35&sig=f0TQzf8pKPw70orNu7d3vKahhZY#PPA66,M1 Forensic Entomology: The Utility of Arthropods in Legal Investigations]</ref> The adults are covered with setae and are approximately 1.5 to 3 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide. Male khapra beetles are brown to black with reddish brown markings on the elytra. Females are slightly larger than the males and are lighter in color. The short, 11 segmented antennae has a club of 3 to 5 segments, which fit into a groove on the side of the [[pronotum]].<ref name=harris> Harris, D.L. (2006) [http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN667 Khapra Beetle]. University of Florida IFAS Extension.</ref>
==Control==
===Hide and larder beetles===
Modern methods of meat slaughtering, storage, and distribution have reduced potential infestations of hide beetles. Proper housekeeping is crucial for the prevention of infestations. Dead insects in homes usually attract these beetles because they are a prime food source for hide and larder beetles. Food must be tightly sealed or stored in a refrigerator to avoid any beetle access. Freezing food for a week, heating meat in a pan or microwave for prolonged lengths can kill these insects found in infested foods and prevent them from spreading.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
Application of [[insecticides]] must be spot treatment to crack and crevice sites where they are suspected of hiding. [[Pyrethrin]]s are labeled for the use against hide beetles. Also insecticides used for carpet beetles are appropriate to use against hide and larder beetles.<ref name=Lyon> Lyon, William F. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html Hide and Larder Beetles]. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet </ref>
===Carpet beetles===
Regular cleaning of spilled food or lint will eliminate any sites for potential breeding. Susceptible items like food, [[woolens]], and furs should be stored in an insect proof container. If an infestation is suspected then the source of the problem must be removed and destroyed to further limit any possibility of spreading. These beetles can be killed with extreme heat or exposure to freezers.<ref name=cranshaw> Cranshaw, W.S. (2000). [http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/insect/05549.html Carpet Beetles]. Colorado University State-Extension.</ref>
[[Pyrethroid]] insecticides can be use in order to control carpet beetles. Products containing active ingredients such as [[permethrin]], [[bifenthrin]], [[deltamethrin]], [[tralomethrin]] are components of the Pyrethroid insecticide.<ref name=cranshaw> Cranshaw, W.S. (2000). [http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/insect/05549.html Carpet Beetles]. Colorado University State-Extension. </ref>
==Image gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Larder beetle grub.jpg|The grub of a larder beetle, (''Dermestes lardarius'')
Image:Manduca quinquemaculata dermestidae damage sjh.JPG|Dermestidae damage to a ''[[Manduca quinquemaculata]]'' in an insect collection
Image:Woolly_bear.jpg|Shows the larva of ''Anthrenus verbasci'' beetle
Image:grain_bait_wolly_bear.jpg|Shows the larva of an ''Anthrenus verbasci'' beetle, [[frass]], caste skin & a single grain of blue rodent bait damaged by the larva
Image:Sceliphron and pest.jpg|Carpet beetle damaging a ''Sceliphron destillatorius'' in an insect collection
</gallery>
== References ==
===Specific===
{{reflist|2}}
===General===
* [[John M. Kingsolver]], "Dermestidae", in [[Ross H. Arnett, Jr.]] and [[Michael C. Thomas]], ''[[American Beetles]]'' (CRC Press, 2002), vol. 2.
* {{Grocers}}
====Identification====
* Hinton, H.E., 1945 ''A monograph of the beetles associated with stored products''. 1, 387-395 British Museum (Natural History), London. Keys to world adults and larvae, genera and species; excellent figures, full species information.
* Freude, H.; Harde, K.W.; Lohse, G.A., 1979 ''Dermestidae''. ''Die Käfer Mitteleuropas'' 6: Diversicornia (Lycidae — Byrrhidae) 1206 text figs. 367pp. Goecke & Evers. Text in German; the Dermestidae are on pages 304–327.
== External links ==
{{Wikispecies}}
{{commonscat}}
* [http://www.nearctica.com/nomina/beetle/cold.htm#anchor42357 List of North American Species]
* [http://www.dermestidae.com/Literat.html Dermestidae-Literature]
* [http://www.zin.ru/Animalia/Coleoptera/eng/atl_derm.htm Russian Atlas of Carpet Beetles-excellent images]
* [http://digital.library.unt.edu/permalink/meta-dc-1563:1 USDA Leaflet on Carpet beetles]
* [http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/fabric/furniture_carpet_beetle.htm furniture carpet beetle] on the [[UF]] / [[IFAS]] Featured Creatures Web site
[[Category:Beetles]]
[[cs:Kožojedovití]]
[[de:Speckkäfer]]
[[es:Dermestidae]]
[[fr:Dermestidae]]
[[he:עוריתיים]]
[[lt:Kailiavabaliai]]
[[ja:カツオブシムシ]]
[[no:Klannere]]
[[sv:Ängrar]]