The skin beetles are a family Dermestidae (Gyllenhal 1808) of beetles. The family includes about 700 species found worldwide.
They are generally of a compact or round shape, ranging in size from 1 to 12 mm, and of a dark overall color; most are densely covered with scales or setae, some with patterns of white, yellow, red, or brown. The (usually) clubbed antennae fit into deep grooves. The hind femora also fit into recesses in the coxae.
Dermestids have a variety of habits; most are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material such as skin or pollen. Members of Dermestes are found in animal carcasses, while others may be found in mammal, bird, bee, or wasp nests. Thaumaglossa only lives in the egg cases of mantids, while Trogoderma species are pests of grain.
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