Heritage-pest
Guides
Reesa
Reesa is a monotypic genus of skin beetles (Dermestidae) established by Beal in 1967. The sole species, Reesa vespulae, is a small beetle native to North America that has become a widespread invasive pest of heritage collections and stored products. The species is obligately parthenogenetic—only females are known—and can establish populations from a single individual. Genetic research suggests close relationship to Trogoderma angustum and South American species, with some authors proposing merger into Eurhopalus, though this remains disputed.
Reesa vespulae
Undertaker Carpet Beetle
Reesa vespulae is a small parthenogenetic dermestid beetle native to North America that has become a cosmopolitan pest of heritage collections and stored products. The species spreads globally through human commerce and can establish populations from a single female due to obligate parthenogenesis. It poses significant threats to museums, herbaria, and entomological collections, with larvae showing particular preference for Coleoptera and Lepidoptera specimens.