Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Full Latin name: Anthrenus verbasci (Linnaeus, 1767) (Original genus: Byrrhus)
A. caseyi
Explanation of Names
From Latin verbasc (=Mullein)
Identification
Dorsal surface with scales of two colours: white and yellowish brown (may change to grey in older specimens). White scales condensed on lateral margins of pronotum, a prescutellar spot on the hind margin, and in several spots on elytra, usually partly merging into three tranverse fasciae.
Important characters apart from colour: Eyes not notched in front (diagnostic vs. A. flavipes and A. parvus), antennae 11-segmented with club of three segments (diagnostic vs. A. coloratus)
Remarks
The most abundant species in buildings. Sometimes taken for, or confused with, A. flavipes.
US native according to ITIS.
See Also
Anthrenus flavipes: Similar colour pattern, but without distinct prescutellar spot on pronotum, white scales on sides of pronotum usually divided into 2 or 3 patches, elytra with a distinct white spot on base, but not adjacent to scutellum. Most important difference: Eyes with an anterior notch in A.flavipes.
Anthrenus page has general information.
