Most dermestids are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material. This includes skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects, and natural fibers. Dermestids can be found living in dead animals and feeding on them. Others can be found living in mammal, bird, bee, or wasp nests. "Thaumaglossa" only lives in the egg cases of mantids. Many "Trogoderma" species are pests that eat grain. 