Varied Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus verbasci)

Description

Adults: 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 inches) long, black to grey body with a varied pattern of white, yellow and brown elongated scales attached. The last three antennal segments are slightly enlarged and form club shape.

Eggs: Oval, ivory in color and 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) long.

Larvae: Yellowish brown with black and brown hairs. Up to 5 mm (0.2 inch) long, hairy, with three distinct pairs of hairy tufts at the tail end; three pairs of thoracic legs.

Pupae: Pupal cases brownish with dark beetles inside the pupal chamber.

Life Cycle

The female beetle will lay eggs in materials made with hair, feather or insect parts. It is a scavenger for animal proteins. Larvae will feed off the food or fiber substance for about 7-10 months depending on the environment.

The life cycle on average will be 11 months. Adults live for 30-45 days. One generation occurs per year depending on storage conditions. Adults actively fly when temperature is above 21°C (70°F).

Damage & Detection

Only larvae cause damage to plants, animal products, and textiles. The presence of cast skins is easily seen. Holes and frayed fibers in textiles also may be present.

Adults are excellent fliers and are attracted to lights. The use of pheromone traps and inspections can determine the location and degree of infestation. These beetles are commonly found in nests of bees, wasps, and birds, but can also attack, horn, wool, hair, silk, dead insects and are occasionally found in meal, spices, and biscuits. It is a common household pest.

Fun Facts

  • Similar species include many other Anthrenus, Anthrenocerus, Attagenus and Trogoderma species.
  • Other common names include small cabinet beetle, museum beetle, banded beetle, and painted carpet beetle.
  • Varied carpet beetle larvae have hairs on their body called setae that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in infants, children, and at-risk individuals. They may also cause an allergic reaction.
  • Adult varied carpet beetles feed on pollen and nectar of flowering plants.
  • Varied carpet beetles initiate flight at temperatures above 22.5°C (73°F).

At Agserv, we have a wide range of traps, baits, lures, gels and equipment to effectively kill Varied Carpet Beetles including: