Any idea what this is?

[slingshot71]

This larvae was in with my crickets. Is this a Dermestid beetle larvae?


Thanks,
Kevin

 

[lucanidae]

No question, definetly a dermestid.

 

[Scolopendra55]

Yep it's a dermestid. Keep it in with your crickets they help clean up.

 

[Dark Raptor]

Yep, and probably this is genus Dermestes. They are very comon everywhere and their larvae are much darker than other species.

 

[jbrd]

I get those once in awhile when i buy crics from my local pet store. Is it ok to throw them in the tanks that i have isopods in as cleaners too? :?

 

[Dark Raptor]

I get those once in awhile when i buy crics from my local pet store. Is it ok to throw them in the tanks that i have isopods in as cleaners too? :?

They prefer carrion and dead insects bodies. If you've got them in that tank, you can keep them. I had D. maculatus (vulpinus), D. lardarius and D. carnivorus. I love them all

Here is the webpage where you'll find most species belonging to that interesting family (with pics!):
http://www.dermestidae.com/Abbildungen.html

 

[jbrd]

They prefer carrion and dead insects bodies. If you've got them in that tank, you can keep them. I had D. maculatus (vulpinus), D. lardarius and D. carnivorus. I love them all

the rolly pollies i have do a great job cleaning in my communal P.murinus so i never have to get in there very often. Thanks for the link.

 

[Texas Blonde]

I think I have been told that they have irritating hairs that can cause problems with the crickets. I dont know where I remember this from. I always left them in with the crickets, let them eat the dead ones, it definatly made a difference in the smell of my spider room.

 

[Dark Raptor]

I think I have been told that they have irritating hairs that can cause problems with the crickets.

Hairs are their only defence against predators. Some species (in. egz. european Trinodes hirtus) live on spiders nets. They steal spiders preys or consume old remains that were left by host. I posted somwhere on this forum pics of that specie.

 

[Snipes]

aww, those are cute and fuzzy, and apparently useful according you u guys. I will have to keep an eye out for them with my purchased crickets.

 

[slingshot71]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I had heard of them coming with shipped crickets, but not those bought in stores. I guess the clerk scooped one of theirs up on accident.