Habitat |
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Widespread throughout Europe, hide beetles all require a diet which is high in protein. Occurring naturally in birds nests, this group of insects is well adapted to infesting intensive poultry units, and is one of the main pests of such areas.
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Biology |
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Adult females lay between 200 to 800 eggs which hatch within around 1 week. After a number of moults, larvae leave the food source in search of a suitable site for pupation. Such sites include wooden panels and structural timber which the larvae may burrow into. Total life cycle may be completed in 8 - 12 weeks.
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Dermestes Sp
Insecta Coleoptera Dermestidae
Image Copyright - Aventis Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental Science.
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Pest Status |
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A serious pest of kitchens, poultry houses and occasionally, piggeries. Feeding on and breeding in proximity to food scraps, the presence of hide beetles may indicate poor hygiene.
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