Dermestidae familia_authority = subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies subdivision = *Attageninae *Dermestinae *Megatominae *Orphilinae *Thorictinae *Trinodinae

Dermestidae are a family of Coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles. Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, carpet beetles, and khapra beetles. There are approximately 500 to 700 species worldwide. They can range in size from 1-12 mm. Key characteristics for adults are round oval shaped bodies covered in scales or setae. The (usually) clubbed antennae (Antenna (biology)) fit into deep grooves. The hind femora (Arthropod leg) also fit into recesses of the coxa (Arthropod leg). Larvae are scarabaeiform (Scarabaeidae) and also have setae.

Dermestids have a variety of habits; most genera are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material such as skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibers. Members of Dermestes are found in animal carcasses, while others may be found in mammal, bird, bee, or wasp nests. Thaumaglossa only lives in the egg cases of mantids, while Trogoderma species are pests of grain (cereal).

These beetles are significant in forensic entomology. Some species are known to be associated with decaying carcasses which help with criminal investigations. Also some species are pests (urban entomology (Home stored product entomology)) and can cause millions of dollars in damage to natural fibers in homes and to major businesses.

They are used in taxidermy and natural history museums to clean animal skeletons. Some dermestid species, commonly called "bow bugs," infest violin cases, feeding on the bow (Bow (music)) hair. Skull at Skulls Unlimited International, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. .