description Hide Beetle Overview
Dermestes maculatus, commonly called the hide beetle, is a dermestid beetle associated with dried animal material and stored products. Adults and larvae feed on hides, skins, fur, dried meat, fish, and other protein-rich remains, so infestations can damage leather and preserved specimens. The same feeding behavior is used in museum dermestariums, where colonies remove residual tissue from animal skeletons for study or display.
help Hide Beetle FAQ
What is the hide beetle?
The hide beetle is Dermestes maculatus, a dermestid beetle associated with dried animal material and stored products. Both adults and larvae can feed on protein-rich remains.
What does the hide beetle eat?
Hide beetles can feed on hides, skins, fur, dried meat, fish, and other dried animal material. This diet lets them damage leather goods and preserved specimens.
Can hide beetles damage stored products?
Yes. Dermestes maculatus can infest stored animal products and collections containing leather, fur, dried meat, or fish.
Why are hide beetles important in museums and collections?
Their larvae can consume dried animal tissue and damage preserved specimens. For that reason, Dermestes maculatus is a known concern wherever animal-based materials are stored.
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