Description

This handbook consists of a series of keys to and descriptions of the subfamilies and species of Dermestidae and Derodontidae likely to be found in the UK. There are also short sections discussing the biology (including natural enemies and morphology), control (in houses, museums, industrial premises and poultry housing), medical importance (e.g. in causing allergies), important literature and identification of these beetles. A glossary, bibliography and index, as well a several high quality line drawings and scanning electron micrographs of the diagnostic features of many of the species, are also provided. In Britain, there are 38 species of Dermestidae in 13 genera, including the economically important Dermestes, Trogoderma and Anthrenus; only 11 species are truly native to Britain. Only one derodontid, Laricobius erichsonii, has been recorded (since 1971, on fir trees); it feeds on adelgid Homoptera.