A genus of small beetles whose larvae feed on animal hides, dried meat, and other organic materials; commonly called leather beetles or hide beetles.
From Greek 'derma' (skin) + the genus name derived from classical Latin. This taxonomic term was established to classify these destructive insects discovered infesting stored goods.
Dermestes beetles are so good at eating through hides and dried meat that museums and forensic scientists actually use them intentionally to clean skeletons and prepare specimens for study.
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