Bird Nest Carpet Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthrenus isabellinus: /ænˈθriːnəs ɪzˌæbɛˈlaɪnəs/

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Summary

Anthrenus isabellinus, commonly known as the Bird Nest Carpet Beetle, is a small beetle species known for its distinct coloration and habitat preferences. Its larvae are associated with bird nests, while adults are found on flowers. It has a distribution that includes Mediterranean regions and has been introduced into the eastern United States.

Physical Characteristics

3.8 - 4.5 mm in length; eyes notched in front; 11-segmented antennae with a club of 3 segments. Dorsal scales are black, white, and red (or yellow); white scales can form small spots and a wide transverse band in the anterior half of the elytra. Two pattern types occur in the native range: fa. isabellinus with pale scales dominant and a larger dark area at the base, and fa. dorsatus with a wide pale crossband.

Identification Tips

Best identified by the underside characteristics; Anthrenus pimpinellae has large black lateral patches on the 1st ventrite with mixed white/yellowish scaling, while Anthrenus isabellinus has no or small sublateral dark patches with purely white scaling.

Habitat

Outdoors in bird nests; adults on flowers in spring; larvae prefer to be in bird nests.

Distribution

Native to Mediterranean Europe and North Africa, east to Greece and Libya, with introductions in the eastern United States and British Columbia.

Diet

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on feathers, dead nestlings, and insect remains; indoors, they can damage dried fish, woolens, and other animal materials.

Life Cycle

Larvae typically found in bird nests; adults emerge in late spring, often observed in May to June.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae played a role in the decomposition process within bird nests; adults contribute to pollination in their adult phase by feeding on flowers.

Economic Impact

Potential pest in households due to their feeding on dried animal materials such as wool and fish.

Collecting Methods

• Insects can be collected using sweep nets or aspirators from their habitats (birds' nests or flowers).

Preservation Methods

• Pinned specimens; preserved in ethanol for molecular studies.

Evolution

Part of the Anthrenus genus that exhibits a range of morphologies and ecological adaptations.

Similar Taxa

• Anthrenus pimpinellae
• Anthrenus dorsatus

Misconceptions

Often confused with Anthrenus pimpinellae due to similar morphology.

Tags

• carpet beetle
• Anthrenus
• insect
• disease vector
• pollen feeder