Anthrenus thoracicus

Melsheimer, 1844

carpet beetle

Anthrenus thoracicus is a of carpet beetle in the Dermestidae. It is native to North America and has been recorded in multiple U.S. states including Arkansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Like other members of the , it belongs to the Anthrenus scrophulariae species group. The species was described by Melsheimer in 1844.

Anthrenus thoracicus by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Anthrenus thoracicus 198183066 Earl Agpawa 03 by Earl Agpawa. Used under a CC0 license.Anthrenus thoracicus 198183066 Earl Agpawa 01 by Earl Agpawa. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anthrenus thoracicus: //ænˈθriːnəs θɔːˈræsɪkəs//

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Identification

A. thoracicus can be distinguished from similar carpet beetles by its membership in the Anthrenus scrophulariae group. It is most similar to Anthrenus scrophulariae, which is nearly in distribution, and Anthrenus sophonisba and Anthrenus chiton, both of which are also found in the United States. Specific diagnostic features for separating A. thoracicus from these are not documented in available sources.

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Distribution

North America; documented in the United States from Arkansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.

Human Relevance

As a member of the carpet beetle Anthrenus, A. thoracicus likely shares the general pest status of , though specific damage reports are not documented. Related Anthrenus are known to infest dried animal products, woolens, taxidermy, and insect collections.

Similar Taxa

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Taxonomic placement

Anthrenus thoracicus belongs to the Anthrenus scrophulariae group, a recognized within the .

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Sources and further reading