A review of the Attagenus (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) species from South Africa and an image-based key to identification

Abstract

The Dermestidae is a relatively poorly studied family of insects but with a high rate of species discovery. The South African region is particularly rich in Attagenus spp. many of which are distinctively patterned. This study provides an updated list of Attagenus spp. in South Africa with a complete literature review and an image-based identification key to the Attagenus species within South Africa. Images of most species are provided. With the rise in significance of citizen science recording schemes, this study facilitates image-based identification and encourages both entomologists and citizen scientists to further contribute to the understanding of this beautiful Coleopteran family.