Dermestes \Der*mes"tes\, n. [NL., from Gr. dermhsth`s; de`rma
skin + root of ? to eat.] (Zool.)
A genus of coleopterous insects, the larv[ae] of which feed
animal substances. They are very destructive to dries meats,
skins, woolens, and furs. The most common species is
{Dermestes lardarius}, known as the {bacon beetle}.
[1913 Webster]