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Dermestidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dermestid beetles
Temporal range:Jurassic–Recent
Varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci)
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Infraorder: Bostrichiformia
Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
Family: Dermestidae
Latreille, 1804
Subfamilies

Dermestidaeare a family ofColeopterathat are commonly referred to asskin beetles.Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, carpet beetles, and khapra beetles. There are over 1,800 species described.[1]

Dermestids have a variety of habits; most genera arescavengersthat feed on dry animal or plant material, such as skin orpollen,animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibers. Members ofDermestesare found in animal carcasses, while others may be found inmammal,bird,bee,orwaspnests.Thaumaglossaonly lives in the egg cases ofmantids,whileTrogodermaspecies are pests ofgrain.

These beetles are significant inforensic entomology.Some species are associated with decaying carcasses, which may help with criminal investigations. Some species are pests (urban entomology) and can cause extensive damage to natural fibers in homes and places of business.

They are used in taxidermy and bynatural history museumsto clean animal skeletons. Some dermestid species, commonly called "bow bugs", infestviolincases, feeding on thebowhair.[2]

Description

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Adult Dermestidae are generally small beetles (1–12 mm long), rounded to oval in shape, with hairy or scalyelytrathat may form distinctive and colourful patterns.[3][4]Except in generaDermestesandTrichelodes,there is a singleocellusin the middle of the head. Theantennaeare clubbed (except in maleThylodrias contractus) and usually fit into a groove on the underside of thethorax,concealing them when the beetle is at rest. Adult females ofT. contractusare notable for beinglarviform,meaning they retain a larval morphology even into adulthood.[3]

Larval Dermestidae range from 5 to 15 mm long and are usually covered in tufts of long, dense hairs (setae).[4]In subfamilyMegatominaeand the genusTrinodes,some of these setae are hastisetae: barbed setae ending in spear-like heads (hastabeing the Latin word for "spear" ). Hastisetae serve a defensive role, detaching and entangling predators.[5]

Pupae of subfamiliesDermestinaeandAttageninaeare covered in structures known as gin-traps, as defense against predators. Pupae of Megatominae are protected within theexuviaeof the last larvalinstar.[5]

Diet and behaviour

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Dermestid larvae are typically found on dry organic items that are hard for other organisms to digest, such as dried foodstuffs, skins, hides, wood and other natural fibers. In forensic studies, the larvae are found on human corpses during the dry and skeletal phases ofdecomposition,which occurs several days after death.[4][6]Larvae also move away from light and often hide in any cavity in order to remain undisturbed.[4]In natural habitats, they can be found on animal carcasses, under bark, and in thewebs,nestsandburrowsof various animals.[3]

Larvae of subfamilies Dermestinae and Attageninae (which lack hastisetae), burrow into feeding substrates, pupate in concealed locations, and show fast escape behaviours when disturbed. Larvae of Megatominae (which have hastisetae), do not burrow, pupate where they have been feeding, and their response to disturbance is to stop moving, arch the body and spread the hastisetae. This difference may be because hastisetae would be a hindrance for burrowing larvae.[5]

Adult dermestids are known to feed onpollenandnectar.[3]Adults ofDermestesarecannibalisticand will eat young larvae and pupae; this means that when kept in captivity, adults should be placed in separate containers from the immature stages.[4]

Economic relevance

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Urban and stored products

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Dermestidbeetlesare destructive to a number of common items. Natural fibers such as wool, silk, cotton, linen, fur, or feathers are much more prone to attack than synthetic fibers.[7]Dermestids also attack chocolate, copra, and cocoa beans.[8]

Medical

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Dermestid hastisetae, both those attached to exuviae and those shed by larvae, cause health problems in humans when inhaled (rhinoconjunctivitis,asthma), ingested in contaminated food (nausea,fever,diarrhea,proctitis,perianal itching) or touched with skin (dermatitis).[5]

Forensic

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Dermestid beetles being used to clean ahumanskull atSkulls Unlimited International,Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Dermestes maculatus,hide beetles, also have the potential to offer investigators an estimation of the time since death in homicide or questionable cases.[9][10]Similar to the use of flies in forensic entomology, the arrival ofD. maculatustocarrionoccurs in a predictable succession. AdultD. maculatusbeetles generally arrive 5 to 11 days after death.[11]In an attempt to refine this relatively wide range, recent research has repeated arthropod succession studies.[12][13]These studies are applied to estimate the arrival of various species of Dermestidae after death. Development for dermestids is temperature dependent, and the optimal temperature forD. maculatusis 30 °C. Development data is normalized usingAccumulated Degree Days.[14]Dermestids can also be used in cases involvingentomotoxicology,where feces and shed larval skins can be analyzed for toxins.

Dermestes maculatuscollected from raccoon carcass:

  • Lateral view (Dermestes maculatus)
    Lateral view(Dermestes maculatus)
  • Head view (D. maculatus)
    Head view(D. maculatus)
  • Ventral view (D. maculatus)
    Ventral view(D. maculatus)
  • Dorsal view (D. maculatus)
    Dorsal view(D. maculatus)

Evolution

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While possible members of the family have been described from theLate Triassicand Early Jurassic based on isolatedelytra,the oldest known unambiguous member of the family isParadermestesfrom the Middle JurassicJiulongshan Formationof China, which appears to belong to the subfamily Dermestinae.[15][16]Members of the subfamilies Attageninae and Megatominae are known from the Cretaceous, including the living generaAttagenusandMegatoma.The ancestral ecology of the group was likelymycophagy,which is retained in Orphilinae, with the ancestor of most other lineages making the transition to saprophagy.[15]

Taxonomy

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According to World Dermestidae catalogue (Jiří Háva, 2023), following taxonomic division is proposed for Dermestidae (at subfamily and tribe levels):[17]

Genera

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Dermestidae contains the following 74 genera:[1]

Selected taxa

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Larder beetles

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Dermestes lardarius

The larva of the larder beetleDermestes lardariusis longer than the adult and is covered in reddish brown or black setae.[18]It has two back-curved, spine-like appendages on theposteriorend. The larva of the black larder beetle has less strongly curved appendages.[4]Mature larvae of both species tend to bore into hard substrates such as wood,cork,and plaster topupate.[19]

Larder beetles are infrequent household pests.[20]Adults and larvae feed on raw skins and hides. Adult larder beetles are generally 1/3 to 3/8 of an inch long and are dark brown with a broad, pale yellow spotted band across the upper portion of theelytra.There are three black dots arranged in a triangle shape on each wing. Thesternumand legs of the larder beetle are covered in fine, yellow setae. Adult larder beetles are typically found outdoors in protected areas during the winter, but during the spring and early summer they enter buildings. Females lay approximately 135 eggs near a food source, and the eggs will hatch in about 12 days. The life cycle of larder beetles lasts around 40 to 50 days.[19]

The black larder or incinerator beetle,Dermestes ater,is completely dark with scattered yellow setae on the body. It is similar toDermestes maculatusbut lacks serrations on its elytra. Its ventral surface is yellow instead of white. This beetle is a pest of fish, mushrooms, and cheese.[4][19][21]

Hide beetle (leather beetle)

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Dermestes maculatus,known as the hide beetle, leather beetle, or skin beetle, feeds on raw skins and hides like the larder beetle.[19]This species is similar in appearance to the larder beetle, with larvae covered in short and long reddish brown or black setae, but its two spine-like posterior appendages curve forward.[19]Also, in adults, the forewings are dark brown and the sternum is mostly white with some black.[4][21][22]Its life cycle is 60 to 70 days and the female can lay up to 800 eggs.[19]

The hide and larder beetles both feed on an assortment of animal protein based products and cause serious damage in the areas of silkworm production and museums.[20]

Carpet beetle

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Carpet beetle larvae start to feed as soon as they hatch. They are carrot shaped and heavily covered with setae, especially on their posterior end. The number ofinstarstypically ranges from five to 11 and in some cases may reach as high as 20. Larvae of the black carpet beetleAttagenus megatomamay grow up to1⁄2inch (13 mm) and be yellow to brown in color. Other types of carpet beetle are regularly1⁄4to 1 inch (6.4 to 25.4 millimetres) long and covered with dark setae. Certain species have distinctive tufts of setae extending from their posterior end. These beetles are attracted to soiled fabrics and crevices where dead insects may serve as a food source.[20][23]The larvae of the carpet beetle are often referred to as "woolly bears" or "buffalo moths".

Black carpet beetle

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Theblack carpet beetle,Attagenus megatoma,is a widely known stored product pest and one of the most destructive because of its potential damage to household products containingkeratin,which is a protein found in animal hair and feathers.[20][24]They are also able to burrow through various types of food packaging, allowing passage for other insects.

Females can lay up to 90 eggs and they hatch in about 8 to 15 days. Generally, this species only has one generation a year.[20]The time it takes to become an adult varies from six months to a year. In addition, an adult black carpet beetle can live for an additional two months.[25]The average adult size is about 2.8 to 5 mm long and they are oval, dark brown to shiny-black in color, and have brown legs.[23][25]

Varied carpet beetle

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Thevaried carpet beetle,Anthrenus verbasci,attacks typical household objects. Carpet beetles are normally associated with things such as carpets, wool, furs, and any processed animal or plant food. Their appetite also includes dead insects, spiders, and even nectar and pollen. They are typically found throughout theUnited StatesandCanada.[26]Females can lay up to 40 eggs and the number of larval instars is seven or eight. The time it takes to become an adult varies from about eight months to a year. In addition, the adults can live around 2 to 6 weeks. This species varies in shape, size, color, and pattern of scales. On average, the adults are 2 to 3 mm in length and have scales that vary from white, brown, yellow, or even gray-yellow.[25]The hairs of the larvae can cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis or blisters in humans who come into contact with the sharp tiny hairs.

Khapra beetle

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On hatching, the larvae ofkhapra beetle(Trogoderma granarium) are around 1.6 to 1.8 mm long and mostly covered with dense setae, some simple and some barbed. Larvae are yellow-white but the head and body setae are brown. As the larvae further develop, their color changes to a golden or reddish brown and the abdomen portion becomes proportionally shorter. The mature larvae reach a maximum length of 6 mm long and 1.5 mm wide.[27]

The khapra beetle is a stored-product pest. Infestations are difficult to control because they crawl into cracks and crevices, remaining for long periods of time.[27]They tend to infest grains and create serious losses to stored products.[4]The adults are covered with setae and are approximately 1.5 to 3 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide. Male khapra beetles are brown to black with reddish brown markings on the elytra. Females are slightly larger and are lighter in color. The short, 11 segmented antennae has a club of 3 to 5 segments, which fit into a groove on the side of thepronotum.[27]

Control

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Hide and larder beetles

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Modern methods of meat slaughtering, storage, and distribution have reduced potential infestations of hide beetles. Proper housekeeping is crucial for the prevention of infestations. Dead insects in homes usually attract these beetles because they are a prime food source for hide and larder beetles. Food must be tightly sealed or stored in a refrigerator to avoid any beetle access. Freezing food for a week or heating meat in a pan or microwave for prolonged lengths can kill insects found in infested foods and prevent them from spreading.[19]

Household fibers, such as wool and silk, are especially prone to moth damage and special cleaning, which includes moth proofing, needs to be done frequently. Application ofinsecticidesmust be by spot treatment to crack and crevice sites where they are suspected of hiding.Pyrethrinsare labeled for use against hide beetles. Insecticides used for carpet beetles are also appropriate to use against hide and larder beetles.[19]

Carpet beetles

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Regular cleaning of spilled food or lint will eliminate any sites for potential breeding. Susceptible items like food,woolens,and furs should be stored in an insect-proof container. If an infestation is suspected then the source of the problem must be removed and destroyed to further limit any possibility of spreading. These beetles can be killed with extreme heat or exposure to freezers.[28]

Pyrethroidinsecticides can be used to control carpet beetles. These contain active ingredients such aspermethrin,bifenthrin,deltamethrinandtralomethrin.[28]

Diatomaceous earthis also effective.[29][30]

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  • The grub of a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius)
    The grub of a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius)
  • Dermestidae damage to a Manduca quinquemaculata in an insect collection
    Dermestidae damage to aManduca quinquemaculatain an insect collection
  • The larva of Anthrenus verbasci beetle
    The larva ofAnthrenus verbascibeetle
  • The larva of an Anthrenus verbasci beetle, frass, cast skin & a single grain of blue rodent bait damaged by the larva
    The larva of anAnthrenus verbascibeetle,frass,cast skin & a single grain of blue rodent bait damaged by the larva
  • Carpet beetle damaging a Sceliphron destillatorius in an insect collection
    Carpet beetle damaging aSceliphron destillatoriusin an insect collection

References

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  1. ^abHáva, Jiří (2021)."Dermestidae world (Coleoptera)".Retrieved12 February2023.
  2. ^VanClay, Mary."Bitten By the Bug".www.johnsonstring.com.Archived fromthe originalon September 11, 2015.RetrievedNovember 10,2012.
  3. ^abcd"Australian Faunal Directory".biodiversity.org.au.Retrieved2022-11-17.
  4. ^abcdefghiByrd, Jason H.; Castner, James L., eds. (2009-09-11).Forensic Entomology(2 ed.). CRC Press.doi:10.1201/noe0849392153.ISBN978-0-367-80569-2.
  5. ^abcdRuzzier, Enrico; Kadej, Marcin; Battisti, Andrea (2020-01-23)."Occurrence, ecological function and medical importance of dermestid beetle hastisetae".PeerJ.8:e8340.doi:10.7717/peerj.8340.ISSN2167-8359.PMC6983295.PMID32002326.
  6. ^Forensic Entomology: Use of Insects to Help Solve Crime.Forensic Investigations.
  7. ^P.G. Koehler and F.M. Oi (1991).Carpet Beetles.University of Florida IFAS Extension
  8. ^Walker, K. (2008).Hide BeetleArchived2008-05-18 at theWayback Machine.Pest and Diseases Image Library
  9. ^Catts, E. P.; Goff, M. L. (1992). "Forensic entomology in criminal investigations".Annu. Rev. Entomol.37:252–272.doi:10.1146/annurev.en.37.010192.001345.PMID1539937.
  10. ^Goff, M. L. (1993). "Estimation of postmortem interval using arthropod development and successional patterns".Forensic Sci. Rev.5(2): 82–94.PMID26270076.
  11. ^Richards, E. N.; Goff, M. L. (1997)."Arthropod succession on exposed carrion in three contrasting tropical habitats on Hawaii Islands, Hawaii".J. Med. Entomol.34(3): 328–339.doi:10.1093/jmedent/34.3.328.PMID9151499.
  12. ^Vitta, A.; et al. (2007). "A preliminary study on insects associated with pig (Sus scrofa) carcasses in Phitsanulok, northern Thailand ".Tropical Biomedicine.24(2): 1–5.PMID18209701.
  13. ^Velazquez, Yelitza (2008). "A checklist of arthropods associated with rat carrion in a montane locality of northern Venezuela".Forensic Science International.174(1): 67–69.doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2007.02.020.hdl:10045/2790.PMID17386987.
  14. ^Richardson, M. S.; Goff, M. L. (2001)."Effects of Temperature and Intraspecific Interaction on the Development of Dermestes maculatus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)".J. Med. Entomol.38(3): 347–351.doi:10.1603/0022-2585-38.3.347.PMID11372957.S2CID38207950.
  15. ^abMotyka, Michal; Kusy, Dominik; Háva, Jiří; Jahodářová, Eva; Bílková, Renata; Vogler, Alfried P.; Bocak, Ladislav (January 2022)."Mitogenomic data elucidate the phylogeny and evolution of life strategies in Dermestidae (Coleoptera)".Systematic Entomology.47(1): 82–93.Bibcode:2022SysEn..47...82M.doi:10.1111/syen.12520.ISSN0307-6970.
  16. ^Deng, Congshuang; Ślipiński, Adam; Ren, Dong; Pang, Hong (March 2017)."The Oldest Dermestid Beetle from the Middle Jurassic of China (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)".Annales Zoologici.67(1): 109–112.doi:10.3161/00034541ANZ2017.67.1.012.ISSN0003-4541.
  17. ^Háva, Jiří (2023)."World Dermestidae. Genera and subgenera division of Dermestidae"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 19 May 2024.Retrieved2 June2024.
  18. ^Larder BeetleArchived2008-05-18 at theWayback Machine.University of Rhode Island Green Share Factsheets.
  19. ^abcdefghLyon, W. F.Hide and Larder Beetles.Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.
  20. ^abcdeBeetle IdentificationArchived2008-05-18 at theWayback Machine.Pest Solutions Plus.
  21. ^abGenus Dermestes.BugGuide.
  22. ^Bennett, S. M. (2003).Dermestes maculatus.
  23. ^abLyon, William F.Carpet Beetle.Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet.
  24. ^Dermestid BeetleArchived2008-02-22 at theWayback Machine.Texas A&M University Entomology.
  25. ^abcExploring California Insects: Carpet or Museum BeetlesArchived2008-05-14 at theWayback Machine.
  26. ^McLarin, Jim (February 2007)."Species Anthrenus verbasci - Varied Carpet Beetle".Bug Guide.
  27. ^abcHarris, D.L. (2006)Khapra Beetle.University of Florida IFAS Extension.
  28. ^abCranshaw, W.S. (2000).Carpet Beetles.Colorado University State-Extension.
  29. ^Lyon, William F."Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Carpet Beetle".HYG-2103-97.Columbus: The Ohio State University. Archived fromthe originalon 2001-04-25.Retrieved2009-10-27.
  30. ^"Black Carpet Beetle"(PDF).Insect Advice from Extension: Fact Sheets.Penn State University: College of Agricultural Sciences. 2009.Retrieved2009-10-27.

Further reading

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  • John M. Kingsolver, "Dermestidae", inRoss H. Arnett Jr.andMichael C. Thomas,American Beetles(CRC Press, 2002), vol. 2.
  • This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain:Ward, Artemas (1911). "The Grocer's Encyclopedia".The Grocer's Encyclopedia.
  • Pasquerault, T Vincent, B, Chauvet, B, Dourel, L, and Gaudry, E (2008). Répartition des espèces du genre Dermestes L. 1758 récoltés sur des cadavres humains (Coleoptera Dermestidae).L'entomologisteTome 64 N°4 pp 221–224.
  • Hinton, H.E., 1945A monograph of the beetles associated with stored products.1, 387–395 British Museum (Natural History), London. Keys to world adults and larvae, genera and species; excellent figures, full species information.
  • Freude, H.; Harde, K.W.; Lohse, G.A., 1979Dermestidae.Die Käfer Mitteleuropas6: Diversicornia (Lycidae — Byrrhidae) 1206 text figs. 367pp. Goecke & Evers. Text in German; the Dermestidae are on pages 304–327.
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