Furniture Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus flavipes

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthrenus flavipes: //ænˈθriːnəs ˈfleɪvɪˌpiːz//

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

Images

Anthrenus flavipes flavipes LeConte, 1854 by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Anthrenus flavipes larva adult by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Anthrenus flavipes flavipes (LeConte, 1854) (11254937336) by Udo Schmidt from Deutschland. Used under a CC BY-SA 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.
CSIRO ScienceImage 2071 Carpet Beetle - Anthrenus flavipes by division, CSIRO. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Anthrenus flavipes damage to cloth by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Anthrenus flavipes, commonly known as the furniture carpet beetle, is a small beetle in the family Dermestidae that is recognized for its damaging larvae which feed on various animal-derived materials. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and is more prevalent in warmer climates. The adult beetles contribute to biological diversity by feeding on pollen and nectar, while the larvae pose significant risks to human textiles and biological specimens.

Physical Characteristics

2 to 3.5 millimeters long, round in shape with black body and variable patterns of white and yellow mottling. Dorsal surface with scales of two colours: white and yellowish brown. The legs are covered in yellow scales; eyes notched at inner frontal margin.

Identification Tips

Overall shape is round; antennae are 11-segmented with a 3-segmented club. The inner frontal margin of the eyes is distinctly notched, which can be a distinguishing feature from similar species.

Habitat

Commonly found in warmer climates and heated buildings in cooler areas. Larvae can be found in nests of birds, rodents, insects, and spiders.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan distribution, primarily found in subtropical climates and first detected in North America in the US (1911) and in Europe (1955).

Diet

Adults feed on pollen and nectar, while larvae feed on various animal tissues and products including wool, silk, fur, feathers, skin, and tortoise shell. They can also consume mold and casein.

Life Cycle

The adult lifespan ranges from 30 to 60 days. Females lay up to 100 white eggs, which hatch after 1 to 3 weeks into larvae. Larvae progress through six to thirty instars over 2 to 3 months before pupating for 2 or 3 weeks.

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction involves a characteristic headstand posture of the female while releasing sex pheromones identified as (Z)-3-decenoic acid.

Predators

Pseudoscorpions (Chelifer sp.) and the parasitoid wasp Laelius pedatus are known predators of the larva.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae play a role in the decomposition of organic materials, particularly animal tissues.

Economic Impact

Significant pest of textiles, furniture, and museum collections, causing damage to upholstered furniture, carpets, and various fabrics.

Collecting Methods

  • Vacuuming to remove hairs and loose fibers
  • Steam cleaning
  • Dry cleaning

Preservation Methods

  • Cold storage for furs
  • Freezing museum specimens

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Mothballs are ineffective against this species.

Tags

  • beetle
  • dermestid
  • pest
  • cosmopolitan
  • textile damage
  • museum pest