Dermestidae

/dɜːˈmɛstɪdeɪ/ noun

Definition

A family of small beetles whose larvae are voracious feeders on dried organic materials such as hides, fur, feathers, and dried meat.

Etymology

From the genus 'Dermestes' + the taxonomic family suffix '-idae.' This formal biological classification emerged as entomologists grouped these beetles by their shared characteristics.

Kelly Says

The Dermestidae family includes over 700 species worldwide, and they're so efficient at eating organic material that forensic scientists deliberately breed them in 'dermestary' labs to clean skeletons.

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