The adult beetle is 5.5–10 mm long, and black with a band of white hairs on either side of the pronotum.

The bottom of the abdomen is yellowish-brown while the dorsal surface is dark brown, usually with a yellow line in the middle.

There are two urogomphi (horn-like protrusions) on the upper surface of the last segment, which curve upward and away from the tip of the abdomen.

[3] The appearance of the beetle on decomposing remains of humans and other animals can be used to estimate postmortem interval in cases of suicide, homicide, or unattended death.

[4] At one time the ravages of Dermestes vulpinus [now maculatus] were so great in the skin-warehouses of Victorian London, a reward of £20,000 was offered for an available remedy.

[6]Dermestes maculatus is the species of carrion beetle typically used by universities and museums to remove the flesh from bones in skeleton preparation.