Dermestes rattus
This record describes Dermestes rattus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
D. r. rattus holotype • D. r. tristis syntype
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
D. r. rattus BC‒CA to AB‒CO +OH & AL, D. r. tristis OR‒WY‒Baja
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dermestes rattus LeConte 1854
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes rattus. 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 rattus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermestes rattus
What is Dermestes rattus?
Dermestes rattus is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dermestes rattus?
D. r. rattus holotype • D. r. tristis syntype
Where is Dermestes rattus found?
Range: D. r. rattus BC‒CA to AB‒CO +OH & AL, D. r. tristis OR‒WY‒Baja