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Dermestid beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) are important pests of various stored products, posing potential threats to international trade. Their detailed characterization on molecular basis is a pre-requisite for proper identification and for understanding of their phylogenetic relationships. In this work, the whole mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Trogoderma granarium, Dermestes lardarius, D. ater, Attagenus augustatus augustatus and Attagenus unicolor japonicus were firstly sequenced to update the database using the next-generation sequencing technique. Based on the selected model species, a comparative analysis of four Dermestidae genera was performed. The mitochondrial genomes of these five species above showed high similarity in nucleotide composition, base composition and gene order, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) and a non-coding control region, which was similar to most of Coleoptera species. The phylogenetic analysis based on the PCGs and two rRNAs indicated that the relationships within Dermestidae were reconstructed as (((Trogoderma + Anthrenus) + Attagenus) + Dermestes) using both Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analysis. However, more mitogenomes should be sequenced to obtain a more holistic view of the whole family. This study not only showed the mitogenomes of five Dermestidae species and their high conservativeness, but also discussed its implications for reconstructing a more comprehensive phylogeny of dermestids.

Describes the Larder Beetle, its life cycle, hosts, damage to stored products, habitat and distribution. Also discusses ways to control this pest.

From 1994 to 2013, French forensic entomology laboratories investigated 1,093 cases. Larder beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) were observed in 81 (7.5 %) of these cases. To describe and analyze these 81 cases, eight parameters were used: city, location (indoor or outdoor), decay stage (fresh, decay, or dry), dermestid species and instar (adults and/or larvae), presence of living calliphorid larvae, presence of calliphorid pupae or adults, and presence of other necrophagous species. Eight Dermestidae species were observed: Dermestes frischii (42 % of cases), Dermestes undulatus (35.8 %), Dermestes peruvianus (12.3 %), Dermestes lardarius (9.9 %), Dermestes haemorrhoidalis (8.6 %), Dermestes maculatus (7.4 %), Dermestes bicolor (3.7 %), and Dermestes ater (1.2 %). Larder beetles primarily developed on human cadavers in outdoor locations in areas with a dry climate and were never reported in oceanic areas (which are characterized by frequent rainfall and high ambient humidity). The number of dermestid species on a single corpse never exceeded three. Typically, one species was found per corpse. Species differed between indoor and outdoor cases, with D. frischii and D. undulatus dominant in outdoor cases, while D. peruvianus dominant in indoor cases. Calliphoridae was found in 88 % of the cases, while Hydrotaea and Piophilidae were observed 40 % of the time. Regarding Coleoptera, Necrobia spp. (Coleoptera: Cleridae) was observed in 46 % of the cases. Lastly, we observed a typical decomposition pattern, with preferential feeding areas on the face, hands, and feet (i.e., the extremities). Pupation chambers on or inside the bones were not observed.

Dermestes (Dermestes) lardarius Linnaeus, 1758 Material examined. Kazakhstan or., Almaty reg., NP Charyn, 20.v.��� 7.vi. 2013, O. Nakl��dal & Y. Kolesnichenko lgt., 2 spec., (ONCP); the same data but 2.v.��� 20.v. 2013, 10 spec., (ONCP, JHAC); the same data but 7.vi.��� 28.vi. 2013, 1 spec., (ONCP); the same data but 28.vi.��� 12.vii. 2013, 1 spec., (ONCP); Kazakhstan or., Almaty reg., Bakanas, 24.v.��� 28.vi. 2013, O. Nakl��dal & Y. Kolesnichenko lgt., 2 spec. (ONCP)., Published as part of Nakl��dal, Oto & H��va, Ji����, 2015, A contribution to knowledge of Dermestidae (Coleoptera) from Kazakhstan with description of one new species, pp. 283-292 in Zootaxa 3905 (2) on page 285, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3905.2.9, http://zenodo.org/record/242043

An evaluation of a mechanical barrier to prevent movement of adult and larval lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer); larder beetle, Dermestes lardarius L.; and hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus De Geer was conducted in caged-layer poultry facilities in New York and Maine. The barrier, a plastic collar wrapped around building support posts, proved highly effective at preventing movement of adult lesser mealworms. Significantly more lesser mealworm larvae were recovered from cardboard collar beetle traps placed below both washed and unwashed barriers than from traps placed above washed and unwashed barriers. Similarly, significantly more adult Dermestes were recovered from traps placed below washed barriers than from above both washed and unwashed barriers. The level of fly specking on the barrier was found to have no significant impact on the numbers of adult lesser mealworms and adult and larval Dermestes recovered either above or below barriers. Fly specking level did significantly impact the numbers of lesser mealworm larvae recovered above the barrier. Although washed barriers provided the greatest deterrent to adult lesser mealworms, the presence of the barrier, regardless of the level of fly specking, provided a significant deterrent to beetle climbing success. Washed barriers further reduced climbing success by lesser mealworm larvae by 17%, Dermestes adults by 7–28%, and Dermestes larvae by 33–38%. The high level of climbing observed by adult lesser mealworms suggests that the impact of adult beetle movement toward birds should be considered in its importance in building damage, disease transmission, feed infestation, and bird productivity and health. Observations on cost and maintenance of the barrier are discussed.

In the summer of 1998 a forensic entomology project was carried out at the Unit of Forensic Medicine and the Department of Systematic Zoology at Uppsala University. This was the first forensic entomology project in Sweden. Arthropods were collected from corpses brought to the Unit of Forensic Medicine for autopsy. The arthropods were determined to species and developmental stage. Larvae of the blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy and Lucilia sericata (Meigen), and the beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) Dermestes lardarius L. were recorded. The estimated ambient mean temperatures, development stages of the insects, and literature records of their developmental times were used to extrapolate the dates of death and thereby the post-mortem intervals (PMIs). The PMIs obtained by our data corresponded well with the PMIs obtained by other data.

Larder beetles are known to feed directly upon decomposing carrion, with a preference for dried carrion. Under optimal environmental conditions (dry and warm), they can appear in large numbers. In our case, the mummified corpse of a human male was nearly skeletonized in less than 5 months in his apartment with windows closed and a room temperature between 25 degrees C (near the radiator) and 19.4 degrees C (near the body). There were very few empty fly pupae in the apartment, but a lot of adult hide beetles, their larvae and larval cast skins (exuviae) (Dermestes maculatus DEG.) belonging to the family of the larder beetles (Dermestidae). The beetles skeletonized the human corpse in such a short time because of ideal conditions for them in the apartment (dry and warm) making the body an optimal feeding ground because of his mummification.

Dermestes lardarius L. larvae were bred on a diet of fishmeal, wheat-germ, yeast and cholesterol at 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 32.5°C with a constant 65% r.h. and at 25°C with 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80% r.h. Whenever possible emerging adults were paired and kept under the same conditions when their fecundity and longevity were recorded. Complete development of some larvae occurred under all conditions except 12.5°C but 12 of the 13 adults produced at 15°C were deformed and mortality at 32.5°C was very high. The period from egg hatch to emerged adult ranged from about 145 days at 15°C to about 48 days at 25°C and above: little difference was noted in the rate of development of males and females. The weight of adults produced increased with temperature up to 30°C. At 25°C most rapid development was found at the highest humidity used. Adults lived from up to 61 days at 15°C to over 300 days at the higher humidities at 25°C. Above this temperature life was shorter, up to 169 days at 30°C and up to only 23 days at 32.5°C. No eggs were obtained from pairs reared and subsequently kept at 30° and 32.5°C. Eggs were laid at 20° and 25°C and two types of oviposition pattern were noted. There was always a main oviposition period starting about 100 days after emergence and lasting about 90 days, but in some cases there was also a period of oviposition which started a few days after emergence and lasted for up to a month. Temperature and humidity had little effect upon the length of the main pre-oviposition and oviposition periods but the early oviposition period was found at 25°C only and occurred most frequently at 80% r.h. Within the main oviposition period many more eggs were found in the three days following access to a drink of sugar solution than in a similar period when no such drink was offered. The number of eggs laid by a female in the early oviposition period varied from 3 to 38 and in the main oviposition period from 26 to 131. Egg mortality was very variable and the mean percentage hatch was relatively low (about 50%). The comparative value (in terms of rate of increase) of the first egg laid in the early oviposition period at the optimum condition (25°C, 80% r.h.) is calculated to be 25 times that of the first egg in the main oviposition period. Values for the first eggs in other conditions are given.

Twenty-four species were tested on soya bean meal at 70% r.h. and at either 20°C, 25°C or 30°C. Those species that completed development at 25°C or 30°C were also tested at 20°C. Some species were also tested at 50 and 80% r.h. The following species were able to complete development from adult to adult at near optimum temperature and relative humidity conditions: Ahasverus advena, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Ephestia cautella, Ephestia elutella, Lasioderma serricorne, Plodia interpunctella, Ptinus tectus, Stegobium paniceum, Tinea columbariella, Tineola bisselliella, Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma granarium . A further five species were able to reach the adult stage when cultures were set up with half grown larvae, but failed to complete a second generation on soya bean meal: Attagenus pellio, Dermestes ater, Dermestes frischii, Dermestes lardarius, Tenebroides mauritanicus . Mould developed on all food at 80% r.h. and to a lesser extent at 70% r.h. This may have affected development of some species. Judging from the number of adult progeny and the development period, the species most likely to attack stored soya bean meal in temperate climates were Stegobium paniceum, Ptinus tectus, Tineola bisselliella, Ephestia cautella and Lasioderma serricorne . In heated premises and warmer climates Trogoderma granarium, Tribolium castaneum, Ahasverus advena, Lasioderma serricorne, Ephestia cautella and Plodia interpunctella might become a nuisance in this commodity. Ephestia elutella was able to develop at the relatively low moisture content of 8.8% wet weight, and so also might be troublesome in warmer conditions. The markedly different performances of congeneric species of Tribolium, Tenebrio , and Ephestia are discussed, and possible reasons for the failure of certain other species are suggested.

The susceptibility of larvae of Dermestes lardarius L., and D. maculatus Deg. to 15 contact insecticides of relatively low mammalian toxicity was studied by a topical application method. Comparative tests were made on larvae of Alphitobius laevigatus (F.), and 8 of the compounds were tested against D. ater Deg. The organophosphorus compounds dimethoate, morphothion, chlorthion, dicapthon, fenitrothion, and fenthion were the most effective in killing Dermestes spp., and produced higher mortalities than pyrethrins, DDT or lindane. Dieldrin was the most effective compound used on D. maculatus, but it yielded neglighible mortalities with D. lardarius and D. ater. Malathion was effective against D. lardarius but not against D. maculatus. A. laevigatus larvae were susceptible to a wider range of compounds than those of Dermestes spp. Some of the insecticides disturbed the metamorphosis of mature Dermestes larvae.

The fecundity of Dermestes lardarius L. was determined on a diet of fish-meal, yeast and cholesterol at 65% r.h., 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 and 30°C. Pairs of adults were given a water drink and eggs removed twice weekly. The median life-span of adults was longest at 17.5 and 20°C (maximum of 223 days) and shortest, 56 days, at 30°C. At each temperature, except 30°C, 50% of the females lived longer than males. At temperatures ranging from 17.5 to 27.5°C some females laid much earlier than others and some individuals exhibited two periods of oviposition. The longest oviposition periods were recorded at 20°C and the shortest at 27.5°C. Temperature had a great influence on the numbers of eggs laid. The total yield of eggs reached a peak of 1261 at 20°C and then declined to 52 at 27.5°C. Fifty percent of the females failed to lay at 27°C and no eggs were laid at 30°C. Fecundity of the females was very variable (0–196). The temperature of 20°C seemed to be optimal for egg laying in this species.

Dermestes lardarius [spec. nov.] Raj. ins. 107. n. 4. Habitat in Europae animalibus, lardo, carnibus., Published as part of Linnaeus, Carolus, 1758, Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae: secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis, Stockholm :Laurentius Salvius on page 354, DOI: 10.5962/bhl.title.542, http://zenodo.org/record/3922206

Larvae of Demestes lardarius L. were bred at 80% r.h. and 15 or 30°C on a diet of fish-meal, yeast and cholesterol. Resulting adults were paired within 2 days of emergence and kept under the same conditions. Adults obtained at 15°C were morphologically normal and lived up to 211 days. Most females failed to lay eggs but 2 laid a small number (4 and 12) of infertile eggs after 89 days. At 30°C adults lived only up to 36 days and none of the females laid eggs. Larvae were also reared at 65% r.h. and 30 or 15°C until they pupated and then they were transferred to 25 and 20°C respectively. Adults at 25°C lived up to 61 days but no eggs were laid. Adults obtained at 20°C were morphologically normal but very small in size and lived up to 165 days. Matings between them were infertile.

This interesting little beetle, of which we give an enlarged drawing, as well as a representation of its larva, in fig. 18, is a very destructive creature, dreaded by every Entomologist who has had any experience of its ravages. Its larva is very destructive also in some carelessly kept provision and household stores, affecting hams, bacon, old cheese and other substances. It is a European insect, which has long been naturalized in this country, where it seems to be quite as much at home as in its native land.

Dermestes ater Degeer,1 the black larder beetle, is a cosmopolitan species that has been reported to damage dried fish, cheese, copra, hog bristles, dried mushrooms, silk, leather, woo1, cacao, and ginger (Illingworth, 1916; Mutchler and Weiss, 1927; Blake, 1943), and as a scavenger on dead birds in Hawaii (Bryan, 1926). Its synonymy has been reviewed by Barber (1942). With the exception of a few observationLs on the life history (Illingworth, 1916) little experimental work appears to have been carried out with this beetle though the closely related larder beetle, Dermestes lardarius L., and hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus Degeer (= D. vulpinus Fabr.) have been investigated (Kreyenberg, 1928; Dick, 1937). This paper presents data on the biology of D. ater under laboratory conditions with particular emphasis on oviposition behavior.