Dermestidae
Definition
The skin beetles. Oval, hairy or scaly-bodied beetles whose larvae feed on dry keratin-rich material: skin, hair, feathers, and dried muscle. They are late-stage decomposition specialists and important in estimating PMI for dry or skeletal remains.
Related terms
- Cleridae
- Checkered beetles. Arrive at remains to feed on other insects, particularly fly larvae and small beetles. They are secondary predators and their...
- Phoresy
- The use of another organism as transport without parasitism. Gamasid mites attach to fly puparia or adult flies and ride to new...
- Silphidae
- Carrion beetles. Arrive during active to advanced decay. Nicrophorus (burying beetles) provision small carcasses for their larvae; Silpha species scavenge larger remains....
- Skeletonisation Stage
- The decomposition stage at which all soft tissue has been consumed and only mineralised bone, cartilage, and possibly dry skin or hair...
- Staphylinidae
- Rove beetles. Recognised by their short elytra (wing covers) leaving the abdomen largely exposed. At carrion scenes, many are predatory on fly...
Explained in
- Beetles and Other Insects of Forensic ImportanceThe skin beetles. Oval, hairy or scaly-bodied beetles whose larvae feed on dry keratin-rich material: skin, hair, feathers, and dried muscle. They are late-sta...