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Image Credit: Nancy C. from TX
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Image Credit: Paula G. from Arlington, VA
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Image Credit: Ping R. from NJ
The multicolored Varied Carpet Beetle is a tiny indoor anomaly that is often seen on furniture, curtains and carpet.
Adults can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. Their larvae, however, can become pests inside homes as well as in universities. They feed on many household items: clothing made from natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton), carpets (hence their name), linens (tablecloths, napkins, curtains), woolen items (rugs, sweaters, socks) and even breakfast cereal. Larvae prefer eating dead bugs and spiders. Because of this, Varied Carpet Beetle larvae have decimated specimen collections in stored in many science departments and museums.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Dermestidae
Genus:Anthrenus
Species:verbasci
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 2mm to 4mm (0.08in to 0.16in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: yellow; white; brown; black; tan; orange
