''Reesa'' is a
monotypic genus
In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does not include subspecies or smaller, infraspecific taxa. In the case of genera, the term "unispe ...
of
beetle
Beetles are insects that form the order Coleoptera (), in the superorder Endopterygota. Their front pair of wings are hardened into wing-cases, elytra, distinguishing them from most other insects. The Coleoptera, with about 400,000 describ ...
s in the family
Dermestidae
Dermestidae are a family of Coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles. Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, carpet beetles, and khapra beetles. There are over 1,100 species described.
Dermestids have ...
, the skin beetles. The sole species is ''Reesa vespulae''. This beetle is native to the
Nearctic
The Nearctic realm is one of the eight biogeographic realms constituting the Earth's land surface.
The Nearctic realm covers most of North America, including Greenland, Central Florida, and the highlands of Mexico. The parts of North America ...
, but today it can be found nearly worldwide; it is easily
introduced to new areas.
[Hong, K., M. Kim, and D. Park. (2014)]
Molecular identification of ''Reesa vespulae'' (Milliron) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), a newly recorded species from Korea.
''Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity'' 7(3): 305-307.
This beetle can be identified by two reddish bands on its
elytra, black
seta
In biology, setae (singular seta ; from the Latin word for "bristle") are any of a number of different bristle- or hair-like structures on living organisms.
Animal setae
Protostomes
Annelid setae are stiff bristles present on the body. T ...
e, and antennae tipped with clubs divided into four segments. Only female individuals have been observed; it is believed to be
parthenogenetic
Parthenogenesis (; from the Greek grc, παρθένος, translit=parthénos, lit=virgin, label=none + grc, γένεσις, translit=génesis, lit=creation, label=none) is a natural form of asexual reproduction in which growth and developmen ...
.
[
This species, like several other dermestids, is a museum pest. It feeds on dried animal products such as museum specimens.][
]
References
Dermestidae genera
Monotypic Bostrichiformia genera
{{Dermestidae-stub