Attagenus brunneus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Bostrichoidea
Family: Dermestidae
Tribe: Attagenini
Genus: Attagenus
Species: brunneus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Attagenus brunneus: //ˌætəˈdʒɛnəs ˈbrʌniəs//

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

Images

Attagenus brunneus 290735061 by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

NHMUK014092499 Attagenus brunneus Fald. China whole dorsal X 2.0 by NHM Beetles and Bugs. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Attagenus brunneus 290731388 by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

NHMUK014092500 Attagenus brunneus Fald. Japan whole dorsal X 2.0 by NHM Beetles and Bugs. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Attagenus brunneus Faldermann, 1835 by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Attagenus brunneus is a species of carpet beetle belonging to the family Dermestidae, found in both North America and Europe. It is characterized by its detritivorous habits and its presence in human habitats, particularly in buildings.

Physical Characteristics

2.9–5 mm in length; antennae often completely pale; elytra brown; hind margin of pronotum with a distinct fringe of pale hairs.

Identification Tips

Differs from the very similar A. unicolor in having a distinctly longer antennal club in males and a fringe of pale hairs on the hind margin of pronotum.

Habitat

Regularly found in houses; prefers human-made environments.

Distribution

Native to Western Palaearctic (the Mediterranean & the Caucasus), adventive in North America and widespread in the US.

Diet

Infests a variety of plant and animal materials, including woolens, felt, and processed foods like dried buttermilk, dried milk, and peanuts.