Dermestes signatus
This record describes Dermestes signatus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Holotype Similar in coloration to D. lardarius but the elytral base is completely setose and doesn't appear as a dark band or patch
Identification notes
Holotype
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
Habitat
Bird nests. UNSM specimen taken from a magpie nest and from an attic with kestrel and pigeon nests.
Geographic Range
NA (BC‒ON to CA‒NM‒AL)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dermestes signatus LeConte 1874
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dermestes signatus. 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 signatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Hunt; Additional contributions by nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermestes signatus
What is Dermestes signatus?
Dermestes signatus is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dermestes signatus?
5.6‒8.0 mm
How do you identify Dermestes signatus?
Holotype
Where is Dermestes signatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Bird nests. UNSM specimen taken from a magpie nest and from an attic with kestrel and pigeon nests. |
| Range | NA (BC‒ON to CA‒NM‒AL) |