Carpet beetles are a family of beetles, Dermestidae, whose larvae feed on materials of animal origin such as wool, fur, feathers, silk and leather, making several species significant household pests capable of damaging carpets, clothing and museum specimens. Adults of many species instead feed on pollen and nectar outdoors, and the family also includes species used by museums and taxidermists to clean flesh from bones because their larvae efficiently consume dried animal tissue.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAdult Dermestidae are generally small beetles (1-12 mm long), rounded to oval in shape, with hairy or scaly elytra that may form distinctive and colourful patterns 1 Scientific Name Sources
1. Dermestidae (Wikipedia)
Introduction
Dermestidae are a family of Coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles or carpet beetles
Description section
Adult Dermestidae are generally small beetles (1-12 mm long), rounded to oval in shape, with hairy or scaly elytra that may form distinctive and colourful patterns
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.