Anthrenus scrophulariae

Anthrenus (Anthrenus) scrophulariae, also known as the common carpet beetle[2] or buffalo carpet beetle, is a species of beetle originally found in Europe, the Middle East and the Nearctic, which has now spread to most of the world. Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar, but the larvae feed on animal fibres and can be damaging pests to carpets, fabrics and museum specimens.

Anthrenus scrophulariae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Dermestidae
Genus: Anthrenus
Subgenus: Anthrenus
Species:
A. scrophulariae
Binomial name
Anthrenus scrophulariae
Synonyms[1]
  • Dermestes scrophulariae Linnaeus, 1758
  • Dermestes variegatus Scopoli, 1763
  • Byrrhus scrophulariae Linnaeus, 1767
  • Anthrenus histrio Fabricius, 1792
  • Anthrenus verbasci Herbst, 1797
  • Anthrenus scrophulariae ab. histrio: Heer, 1841
  • Anthrenus scrophulariae var. albida Dalla Torre, 1879
  • Anthrenus scrophulariae var. flavida Dalla Torre, 1879

Description
Larva with millimeter scale

The adult common carpet beetle varies from about 2.5 to 3.8 mm (0.10 to 0.15 in) in length. The antennae have eleven segments, three of which form a club, and the eyes are notched at the front. The head is black but is largely concealed under the prothorax, which is also black, liberally speckled with white scales apart from a band in the centre. The elytra (wing cases) are black with orange or reddish scales near the midline and variable but symmetric patches of white scales elsewhere. As the beetle gets older, the scales tend to get rubbed off so the beetle changes in appearance.[3] The small white eggs are laid in batches of 30 to 60 and have projections which help them to adhere to carpet fibres. The larvae are brown and moult five times before pupating; the final instar larva is hairy and larger than the adult beetle. Pupation takes place in the last larval skin.[3][4]

Distribution

The common carpet beetle originated in the Palaearctic region, but has been widely introduced elsewhere, now being present in most parts of the world. However, it is more common in temperate parts of the northern hemisphere and less common in the tropics and humid regions.[4]

Life cycle

Adult beetles feed on pollen and nectar, usually selecting white or whitish flowers such as buckwheat, wild aster, daisy, Spiraea and Ceanothus. This diet encourages mating and egg-laying, and the females seek out suitable locations with animal hairs or fibres for ovipositing; these include bird and animal nests, bee hives and the skins of dead animals, as well as indoor sites such as carpets, upholstery, fabrics or preserved animal material. The eggs hatch in two to three weeks, and the larvae chew at whatever animal fibres they find in their environment. After about two months the larvae pupate and the adult insects emerge about a month later and, if indoors, make their way into the open air.[3]

Control
Larvae of a carpet beetle feeding on a wasp in an insect collection

When the eggs are laid on carpets and household fabrics, the larvae feed on the animal fibres and make holes in the materials. Exhibits in museums may be eaten away, leaving a powdering of fine dust[3] round dried insects in collections; herbarium specimens may also be consumed.[5] Human skin that comes into contact with the discarded larval skins may develop dermatitis.[3] Good hygiene and regular vacuuming may prevent infestations from happening. Small items can be placed in airtight containers to keep the beetles out, and both heat and cold treatments are effective against the larvae and eggs. In enclosed spaces, mothballs can be placed as a repellent. Chemical treatments are possible but may not reach all the recesses where the insects lurk, and fumigation may be necessary in extreme cases.[3]

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References
  1. Herrmann, Andreas. "Anthrenus scrophulariae ssp. scrophulariae (Linnaeus, 1758)". Dermestidae.com. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  2. "Anthrenus (Anthrenus) scrophulariae". Fauna Europaea. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  3. Hill, Stephanie; Mitola, Mark (1 December 2013). "Common carpet beetle: Anthrenus scrophulariae". Featured Creatures. IFAS. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  4. Taylor, Scott (12 August 2005). "Anthrenus scrophulariae – Buffalo Carpet Beetle". BugGuide. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  5. Hagstrum, David (2009). Stored-Product Insect Resource. Elsevier. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-12-810456-9.
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