palpiger

pal-PI-ger

Definitions

1. noun

A type of beetle in the family Dermestidae, particularly those in the subfamily Dermestinae, known for their ability to infest and eat animal hides, bones, and other organic materials.

“The collector had to carefully store the insect specimens, including the palpiger beetles, to prevent them from escaping and causing damage to the surrounding environment.”

Synonyms

  • hide beetle
  • skin beetle

Antonyms

  • beneficial insect
  • pollinator