Common Carrion Beetle
Dermestes marmoratus
This record describes Dermestes marmoratus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
pest in powdered milk plants and cereal warehouses, most likely feeding on dead insects; carrion, dry animal products
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Genus
- Dermestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NA, transcontinental (BC‒NB to CA‒TX‒AL to Mexico)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dermestes marmoratus Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes marmoratus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Carrion Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Maury Heiman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Carrion Beetle
What is Common Carrion Beetle?
Common Carrion Beetle (Dermestes marmoratus) is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Common Carrion Beetle?
9‒13 mm
Where is Common Carrion Beetle found?
Range: NA, transcontinental (BC‒NB to CA‒TX‒AL to Mexico)