dermestes Meaning, Definition & Usage

Der*mes"tes noun

Etymology

NL., from Gr. skin + root of to eat.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A genus of coleopterous insects, the larvæ of which feed animal substances. They are very destructive to dries meats, skins, woolens, and furs. The most common species is D. lardarius, known as the bacon beetle.