Buffalo Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus scrophulariae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
- Family: Dermestidae
- Tribe: Anthrenini
- Genus: Anthrenus
- Species: scrophulariae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anthrenus scrophulariae: /ænˈθriːnəs skroʊˌfjuːˈlɛəriːiː/
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Summary
Anthrenus scrophulariae, the buffalo carpet beetle, is a small beetle known for its distinctive scale pattern. It is a pest of animal fibers and is found in various habitats, commonly in indoor environments where it can damage fabrics and museum specimens.
Physical Characteristics
Adults measure 2-3.8 mm in length. The body is covered with black, white, and red (or yellow) scales in a characteristic pattern. The eyes are notched at the front, and the antennae are 11-segmented with a 3-segmented club. The head is black and concealed under the prothorax which is also black with white scales. Elytra are black with orange or reddish scales near the midline and variable white patches. Larvae are brown, hairy, and larger than the adult.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic scale pattern on the dorsal surface and note the notched eyes and 11-segmented antennae. Adults can usually be found indoors around animal materials and may be confused with other species in their genus.
Habitat
Common in both indoor and outdoor environments; often found in bird and animal nests or on dead animals as well as carpets and upholstery in homes.
Distribution
Originally from the Palaearctic region, now cosmopolitan, more common in north temperate regions, and present throughout the northern hemisphere. Less common in tropical areas and humid regions.
Diet
Adults feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae feed on animal fibers such as wool, feathers, and hair, as well as dried plant material.
Life Cycle
Eggs hatch in 2-3 weeks; larvae feed for about two months before pupating. Pupation occurs in the last larval skin.
Reproduction
Females require nectar and pollen for oviposition. Eggs are laid in batches on suitable fibers or animal materials. After mating and feeding, females seek sheltered locations to deposit eggs.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role as a decomposer by feeding on animal materials but is considered a household pest due to its damage to fabrics and museum specimens.
Economic Impact
Known household pest that can damage carpets, clothing, and preserved specimens in museums.
Health Concerns
Skin contact with discarded larval skins may cause dermatitis.
Collecting Methods
- Vacuuming
- Using traps with attractants
Preservation Methods
- Airtight containers
- Heat treatment
- Cold treatment
- Chemical treatments
- Fumigation
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other species of carpet beetles due to similar size and shape.
Tags
- Buffalo Carpet Beetle
- household pest
- Coleoptera
- pests
- dermestid beetles