Varied Carpet Beetle Anthrenus verbasci

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Classification Order: Coleoptera– Long Horns Family: Dermestidae

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AKA

Length 2 to 3 mm.

Phenology April to September.

Identification

Possess a mottled pattern of pale beige and darker blackish markings, although both patterning and range of colours vary.


Life Cycle

Small and colourful beetle can be a serious household pest. Its larvae, known as 'woolly bears' feed on natural fibres including carpets and clothing. Away from humans, the adult beetles often lay eggs in bird nests but they commonly get into houses and lay eggs under carpets or in cupboards. Larval devlopment can take up to three years to develop into adults. Other larval foods include dead insects and spiders.

Habitat

 

Dermestidae - Anthrenus verbasci

By Hectonichus (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Anthrenus verbasci 2 (aka)

By André Karwath aka Aka (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons