Beetle, hide

Fatty acid esters also play a role in the communication system of the hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus. In a sex specific gland, situated at the ventral side of the fourth sternite, males produce a bouquet of isopropyl esters of fatty acids showing 12,14,16,and 18carbon atoms [211]. Apart from the esters ofthefour saturated acids and isopropyl (Z)-hexadec-9-enoate as well as isopropyl oleate,... 

The arrival of blowflies, and subsequently their larvae, is followed quickly by the arrival of the flesh flies (Diptera Sarcophagidae), other carrion flies (Diptera Muscidae), and predaceous beetle species such as rove beetles (Coleoptera Staphylinidae), carrion beetles (Silphidae), clown beetles (Histeridae), skin beetles (Dermestidae), and checkered beetles (Cleridae). A variety of other fly families may be found in association with the body, and hide beetles (Trogidae) and larvae of some of the aforementioned beetle groups may feed on carrion itself, often on remains of hair, skin, and clothing in late decomposition (Smith 1986). 

Garg, R.K. 1977. The flora of the alimentary canal of the hide beetle, Dermestes frischii Kugelann (Dermestidae Coleoptera). J. Natural History 11, 97-99. 

The khapra beetle, T. granarlum, inhabits an environment more similar to that of the confused flour beetle than to the usual environment of other members of the family Dermestidae to which the khapra beetle belongs. However, with respect to utilization of dietary sterols, the khapra beetle Is more similar to other dermestids such as the hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus, (31) which usually feeds on animals or animal products rather than plant derived material. Apparently, the khapra beetle has not had to alter Its sterol metabolism to adapt to living In Its stored product environment. It will be of Interest to examine the ecdysterolds of the khapra beetle to see If the synthesis of molting hormones In this species has been modified to utilize other than a C27 sterol as an ecdysterold precursor. 

Palmitoleic acid. Zoomaric acid Constit. of many plant and animal systems. Pheromone of hide beetle. Mp 40-41°. Bp, 180-183°. 

Sterol utilization by the hide beetle, Dermestes vulpinus. J. biol. Chem. 288, 586 (1963). 

Hippopotamus Hides.—About on hundred of these skins are annually imported from the South of Afrioa, and are tanned with oak. Tho hide, originally of groat thickness, assumes the appearance of boards after being tanned. The only use which appears to he made of them, ore implements used for beetling in washing and bleaching cotton. and linen goods. 

After 2-3 weeks the beetles move to their winter hiding-places. 

Enemies which are frequently mentioned are fungi, chalcid wasps and nematodes, which attack and parasitize the beetles in their winter hiding-places. 

DIRECT. After the damage threshold is exceeded, a pyrethrum-rotenone spray should be applied at temperatures above 12°C. If very early treatment is necessary because of the high population density, a second spraying may sometimes be needed, as beetles move continuously from the winter hiding-places to the apple trees until the eggs are laid. 

These beetles overwinter as larvae in the soil. Around apple blossom time the beetles emerge from their winter hiding-places and feed on the leaves and petals. The leaves are eaten from the margin inwards. These beetles can cause considerable damage, especially in nurseries and young orchards. 

Description Adults blue-black or brown, beetles, usually iridescent thorax well-defined, usually narrower than abdomen. Beetles hide under stones or other cover during the day. Larvae dark brown or black grubs with 10 segments, tapering markedly toward the rear. Common throughout North America. 

Even if they do not react as drastically to extreme environmental temperatures, many insects and animals become inactive during at least part of the day. During cold nights, snakes, lizards, and other small animals hide in burrows where temperatures do not fall as low as outside. Insects such as the predatory tiger beetle hide in the shade (Figure 6.15.2) during the day when surface temperatures on the black sandy beaches of New Zealand, where it lives, reach 70°C (Molles, 1999). 

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