Dermestid Beetles
What are they?
Dermestid beetles are very common insects but are small enough (just a few millimetres long) that they are easily overlooked. This family includes carpet, skin and hide beetles, all groups of insects that largely feed on dead animal matter. In a natural state, they are most often found in places such as bird nests or insect nests, where they feed on animal detritus. But when they get into our homes, they will feed on a wide range of stored food products and other animal-derived remains. This makes them a particular problem in museums, where stuffed animals can be a favorite food for them. Many species have very bristly larvae that are sometimes known as woolly bears. This is a widespread group of insects, having been spread around the world by human activities.
Identification
Most species are small and dark in color but some are quite brightly patterned if viewed with a hand lens. Identification of many of the darker species is very difficult, but some of the commoner, well-marked species can be identified by the pattern on their wing cases.
Varied Carpet Beetle Anthrenus verbasci
A widespread and common species with particularly well-patterned wing cases. Carpet beetles will attack woollen clothing, carpets and other household furnishings and can at times form quite large colonies. They are easily overlooked due to their tiny size, but adults are sometimes found roaming across walls during the evening.
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