Carpet Beetles

Anthrenus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthrenus: /ænˈθriːnəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Anthrenus isabellinus - João Coelho by João Coelho. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
NHMUK014092683 Anthrenus s.str. lepidus LeConte whole dorsal X 3.2 by NHM Beetles and Bugs. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Anthrenus flavipes (LeConte, 1854) (Dermestidae). Specimen from Hong Kong (42172774411) by Natural History Museum: Coleoptera Section from South Kensingon, London, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
NHMUK014092674 Anthrenus s.str. flavipes LeConte whole dorsal X 2.5 by NHM Beetles and Bugs. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Anthrenus isabellinus. Dermestidae - Flickr - gailhampshire (1) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Anthrenus flavipes larva adult by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Anthrenus is a genus of small beetles known as carpet beetles, distinguished by their colorful scales and role as scavengers and decomposers. Some species are notable pests, causing damage to fabrics and museum collections.

Physical Characteristics

Small beetles measuring 1.8‒4 mm in length with a broad body covered with colored scales that form patterns. Colors vary, with common hues including brown, tan, red, whitish, and grey. The antennae have small clubs at the end, larger in males than females.

Identification Tips

Look for rounded shape, distinctive patterns created by the colored scales, and significant differences in scale coverage between individuals of different ages.

Habitat

Typically found in semiarid regions of Eurasia and Africa; also cosmopolitan indoors. They can inhabit abandoned nests of birds/mammals, old wasp nests, and are commonly found in households.

Distribution

Global distribution, including colonization of remote oceanic islands. Native species are prevalent in temperate regions and were estimated to arrive in North America in the 1850s.

Diet

Adults feed on pollen from flowers, while larvae scavenge on keratin- or chitin-rich materials such as accumulated fur, feathers, skin flakes, and dead insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes larval, pupal, and adult stages. Adults typically occur in spring and may live year-round indoors.

Reproduction

Primarily breeds in spring and summer months.

Ecosystem Role

Decomposers that aid in breaking down dead animal and plant matter.

Economic Impact

Some species, particularly the museum beetle (A. museorum), are significant pests that can damage stored goods, including biological specimens in museums, wool, fur, and feathers.

Cultural Significance

Known as carpet beetles due to their habit of laying eggs in carpets, potentially causing fabric damage.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Hand collection from infested areas

Preservation Methods

  • Drying specimens
  • Pinning
  • Storing in airtight containers

Evolution

Historically placed in subfamily Anthreninae, but currently included in Megatominae. Closely related to the genus Neoanthrenus.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often thought to only inhabit carpets, but they also live in various wild habitats as decomposers.

Tags

  • Carpet Beetles
  • Anthrenus
  • Dermestidae
  • Decomposers
  • Pests