Dermestes maculatus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Dermestes maculatus | |
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Family: | Dermestidae |
| Genus: | Dermestes |
| Species: | D. maculatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Dermestes maculatus De Geer, 1774 | |
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Dermestes maculatus is a species of beetle with a worldwide distribution, being present on all continents except Antarctica. In Europe, it is present in all countries.
The adult beetle is 5.5–10 mm long, and black with a band of white hairs on either side of the pronotum. The antenna end in 3-segmented clubs. The apices of the elytra are serrated and end in small projecting spines. The underside of the abdomen is mostly white with black spots at the sides and end.[1]
The bodies of the larvae are covered in setae. The bottom of the abdomen is yellowish-brown while the dorsal surface is dark brown, usually with a yellow line in the middle. There are two urogomphi (horn-like protrusions) on the upper surface of the last segment, which curve upward and away from the tip of the abdomen.[1]
The pupae are oval-shaped, usually smaller than the larvae, and do not have setae. Usually, the last larval skin is present as a protective covering.[1]
Biology
The species is often found underneath dead animals that have decomposed for several days to weeks. Their eating habits can cause a dead animal to become just a skeleton.[2]
When about to pupate, larvae search for a suitable site in meat or a non-food substance (e.g. wood), where they construct a pupation chamber. Pupae not in chambers are vulnerable to cannibalism. Because of this, larvae that are unable to find somewhere to pupate will delay becoming pupae.[3]
