Dermestes maculatus DeGeer, 1774 (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

praga nas coleções do Museu de História Natural da Bahia

Abstract

Biological collections are the most important repository of information on biodiversity. Because it contains large numbers of dead and dry specimens, one of the major problems for its conservation is the insect-pest attack. Individuals of the Dermestidae family are the most common beetles damaging scientific collections throughout Brazil. From the observations of the researchers responsible for the collection of the collection of the Museum of Natural History of the Federal University of Bahia (MNHBA / MZUFBA), specimens of Dermestes maculatus were found to act as insect pests in the wet and dry collection of the MHNBA. Through the data collected, we emphasize the importance of proper preparation / conservation of the specimens of the collection, as well as the use of suitable materials, thus preventing the presence and propagation of pests in the scientific collections and guaranteeing the durability of the collection.