Black Carpet Beetle

Attagenus unicolor

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Attagenus unicolor: /ˌætəˈdʒiːnəs ˌjuːnɪˈkɔːlər/

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Summary

Attagenus unicolor, known as the Black Carpet Beetle, is a common household pest that can damage textiles and other materials. The larvae are particularly destructive due to their feeding habits.

Physical Characteristics

3–5 mm long, reddish brown larvae covered with bristles; adults are black in color.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing subspecies: A. u. unicolor has dark setae on pronotum and elytra; A. u. japonicus has golden brown setae on the sides and base of the pronotum and base of the elytra.

Habitat

Nests of birds, wasps/bees, rodents; may infest homes and facilities such as grain elevators, flour mills, feed mills, and museums.

Distribution

Subcosmopolitan, native to the Old World; adventive and widespread in North America, introduced in NA.

Diet

Larvae feed on animal materials (silk cloth, wool, feathers, hair, fur, fishmeal) and cereal products. Adults feed on pollen outdoors.

Life Cycle

Complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. Total life cycle takes about 4 to 5 months under ideal conditions.

Reproduction

Females lay 50 to 100 eggs near food sources; larvae can remain for up to 3 years depending on conditions.

Ecosystem Role

Common household pest; larvae can be destructive, damaging carpets and textiles.

Economic Impact

Significant pest in homes and museums; damages materials including books and textiles.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Sticky traps

Preservation Methods

  • Alcohol preservation
  • Freezing
  • Desiccation

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other carpet beetle species.

Tags

  • Black Carpet Beetle
  • Attagenus unicolor
  • Household Pest
  • Insect
  • Entomology