What do dermestid beetles eat?

Dermestid beetles (family Dermestidae) are primarily scavengers that feed on a wide variety of dried animal and plant materials. Their diet varies by species and life stage:123

• Animal-based materials: Larvae are well-known for consuming furs, skins, feathers, hair, horn, and dried meats. They are frequently found in birds' nests, animal nests, and on carrion. Because of their ability to clean soft tissue from bone, certain carrion-feeding species are utilized by taxidermists and museums to prepare animal skeletons.123
• Household and stored products: Some species are considered pests because their larvae feed on carpets, rugs, upholstery, clothing, and cheese. The khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is notable for feeding on stored grain.13
• Plant-based materials: While many dermestids focus on animal matter, adult beetles of several species are known to feed on pollen.1

In addition to these specific food sources, dermestids are generally found feeding on various accumulations of debris.2