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Anthrenus pimpinellae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
- Family: Dermestidae
- Tribe: Anthrenini
- Genus: Anthrenus
- Species: pimpinellae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthrenus pimpinellae: //ænˈθɹiːnəs ˌpɪmpɪˈnɛliː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Anthrenus pimpinellae is a small species of beetle recognized by its patterned elytra. It is associated with bird nests for larval development and can also be found on flowers as an adult. Although primarily found in the Palaearctic, it has established a presence in parts of North America.
Physical Characteristics
Size of about 2–4.5 mm; scales of dorsal surface black, white, and red (or yellow). White scales forming some small spots, and a wide transverse band in anterior half of elytra. Eyes notched in front, antennae 11-segmented, with a club of 3 segments.
Identification Tips
Look for black elytra with white and brown scales, and specific size range of 2-4.5 mm.
Habitat
Larvae are commonly found in bird nests; adults can be found on flowers in the spring and may move to bird nests or indoors.
Distribution
Native to the Palaearctic region, now almost cosmopolitan; widespread across the US and British Columbia, both indoors and outdoors.
Diet
Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae feed on feathers, dead nestlings, or insect remains in bird nests, and indoors can damage dried fish, woolens, and other animal materials.
Life Cycle
Adults are active in spring, typically moving between flowers and bird nests; larvae develop in nests.
Ecosystem Role
Occupies a role as a pollinator in adult stages and a decomposer in larval stages.
Economic Impact
Indoors, they can damage stored woolens and dried fish.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep sampling at flowers
- Collecting from bird nests
Preservation Methods
- Dry mounting in entomological pins
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Anthrenus pimpinellae is considered a distinct species, previously conflated with closely related species in North America.
Misconceptions
Formerly considered a form of A. pimpinellae, A. dorsatus is now treated as a separate species.
Tags
- beetle
- Anthrenus pimpinellae
- Dermestidae
- pollen feeder
- bird nest commensal