Dermestes Key Guide

1a. Antennal club indistinct distinct and nearly symmetrical; prothorax with broad elevations laterally and anteriorly and pair of sublateral basal depressions; femora and tibiae expanded and flattened spines along outer edges of tibia reduced.

→ Dermestes (Derbyana) matthewsi

1b. Antenna with large 3-4 segmented club, somewhat asymmetrical; prothorax with complete lateral carinae, disc usually without sublateral carinae or depressions; femora slightly enlarged, tibiae slender with rows of dense short spines along outer edges. Go to question: 2

2a.Abdomen with concolorous pubescence, abdominal integument visible. Go to question: 3

2b. Abdomen with dark spots at the lateral sides of each sternite, often covered with light-coloured pubescence, concealing abdominal integument; terminal segment of maxillary palpus narrow. Go to subgenus: Dermestinus

3a. Terminal segment of maxillary palpus very broad and clavate; mandibles with narrow acute tip.

→ Dermestes (Dermalius) maximus

3b. Terminal segment of maxillary palpus narrow; mandibles bluntly pointed. Go to subgenus: Dermestes s. str.