Varied Carpet Beetles Anthrenus

The varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is a 3 mm long beetle belonging to the family dermestidae.

Varied carpet beetles anthrenus.

Larvae are similarly sized and have a tapered body. Like other species of carpet beetles it is able to digest keratin the principal protein found in animal hair and feathers. Larvae lower left and adult of the furniture carpet beetle anthrenus flavipes leconte. Three tufts of hair on either side of rearend.

The furniture carpet beetle anthrenus flavipes leconte is a common pest of upholstered furniture. 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. They are a common species often considered a pest of domestic houses and particularly natural history museums where the larvae may damage natural fibers and can damage carpets furniture clothing and insect collections. The adult varied carpet beetle anthrenus verbasci is about 1 10 inch long and black with an irregular pattern of white brown and dark yellow scales on its wing covers.

They are so small they are often overlooked. Their larvae however can become pests inside homes universities and museums. Its larvae known as woolly bears feed on natural fibres including carpets and clothing. Black centers with white brown and yellow patches in an irregular arrangement.

Larval body wedge shaped with rear broader than head. Varied carpet beetles get their name from the rainbow of color on their back surfaces. They have zig zag bands of yellow white brown and black on their wing coverings. In older adults the scales that form this pattern wear off so the beetles appear solid brown or black.

Adult varied carpet beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. No cleft at tip of wings.