Dermestidae Coleoptera

The World Catalogue of the Dermestidae (Coleoptera) contains all the taxa described until February 28, 2014.

A comprehensive work covering the about 100,000 species of Coleoptera known to occur in the Palaearctic Region. The complete work is planned for 8 volumes that will be published in intervals of about 18 months.

Experts offer the most sweeping reference available on the subject of North American beetles. Their rigorous standards for the presentation of data create a concise, useful format that is consistent throughout the book. This is the resource of choice for quick, accurate, and easily accessible information.

The economic importance of the Dermestidae has long been recognized by entomologists. In the larval stages its members feed upon, damage, or destroy household furnishings, a large variety of goods made of leather, hair, fur, wool, and silk, dried animal remains, museum specimens and exhibits, and insect collections. The larvae are also destructive to stored products of many kinds, including bacon, cheese, cork, seeds, cereals and cereal products, and they have been known to damage telephone fuses and batteries containing lead.

This account provides the first comprehensive coverage of the insect and other arthropod pests in the urban environment worldwide. Presented is a brief description, biology, and detailed information on the development, habits, and distribution of urban and public health pests. There are 570 illustrations to accompany some of the major pest species. The format is designed to serve as a ready-reference and to provide basic information on orders, families, and species. The species coverage is international and based on distribution in domestic and peridomestic habitats. The references are extensive and international, and cover key papers on species and groups. The introductory chapters overview the urban ecosystem and its key ecological components, and a review of the pests status and modern control strategies. The book will serve as a professional training manual, and handbook for the pest control professionals, regulatory officials, and urban entomologists. It is organized alphabetically throughout.