Dermestes murinus
This record describes Dermestes murinus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 9 mm. Head, pronotum and elytra uniformly covered with recumbent stiff black and white hairs arranged in groups forming patches. Golden patches usually also present on pronotum on each side of a disc near middle of anterior margin and on posterior angles, also on scutellum and sometimes on shoulders of elytra. Antennal club is black in this species. Various habitats, often out of doors on carrion. All year round but mainly late spring and summer. Larvae feed on bodies and remains of animals (bones, feathers, hairs, skin and flesh). Widespread but rather infrequent in Britain as far north as County Durham. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dermestidae
- Genus
- Dermestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, often out of doors on carrion.
Seasonal Activity
All year round but mainly late spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on bodies and remains of animals (bones, feathers, hairs, skin and flesh).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but rather infrequent in Britain as far north as County Durham.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes murinus. 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 Dermestes murinus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermestes murinus
What is Dermestes murinus?
Dermestes murinus is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dermestes murinus?
7 to 9 mm. Head, pronotum and elytra uniformly covered with recumbent stiff black and white hairs arranged in groups forming patches. Golden patches usually also present on pronotum on each side of a disc near middle of anterior margin and on posterior angles, also on scutellum and sometimes on shoulders of elytra. Antennal club is black in this species.
Where is Dermestes murinus found?
Habitat: Various habitats, often out of doors on carrion.
When is Dermestes murinus active?
Dermestes murinus: seasonal activity - All year round but mainly late spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Dermestes murinus?
Larvae feed on bodies and remains of animals (bones, feathers, hairs, skin and flesh).