Genus Anthrenus - Carpet Beetles

Author: Geoffroy, 1762

Greek anthren 'flower'

Common name refers to common occurence in houses, where larvae may feed on woolen carpets.

18 spp. in our area(1)

1.8-4 mm(2)

Broad body covered with colored scales that often form patterns(2) (scale colour and distribution variable, but often diagnostic)

Species that inhabit houses are cosmopolitan; most spp. in semiarid regions of Eurasia and Africa

An abundant household "stored product pest." In nature they inhabit the abandoned nests of birds and mammals, as well as old wasp nests where the larvae scavenge on accumulated fur, feathers, skin flakes, and dead insects.

Adults mainly occur in spring, but may be found year round indoors

Adults feed pollen on flowers; larvae feed keratine and chitin, and may cause considerable damage on wool, fur, feathers, and natural history collections. Typical household products consumed include dry pet food, wool blankets and garments, furs, and the accumulated shed hair and skin flakes of people and pets.

Controlling carpet beetles can be achieved by keeping your home free of accumulated hair and dust (dust is mostly shed skin flakes of people and pets), discarding infested items and properly storing vulnerable items. Store dry foods (including dry pet food) in glass or metal containers with tight-fitting lids. Store woolens, furs, silks in a cedar chest. Forget mothballs and moth crystals. They are ineffective and carcinogenic respectively.

Anthrenocerus australis (Australian Carpet Beetle): similar, but body with hairs instead of scales; even more destructive on wool.