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Image Credit: Julie J. from Montgomery, AL
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Image Credit: Julie J. from Montgomery, AL
The multicolored Varied Carpet Beetle is a tiny indoor anomaly that is often seen on furniture, curtains, and carpet.
Varied Carpet Beetle Videos
Just how small is the Varied Carpet Beetle?
Adult Varied Carpet Beetles can be found outdoors where they feed on pollen from a variety of flowers. They have zig-zag bands of yellow, white, brown, and black on their wing coverings. They are so small, they are often overlooked.
Their larvae, however, can become pests inside homes, universities, and museums. They feed on many household items: clothing and blankets made from natural fibers (wool, silk, cotton), carpet fibers, linens like tablecloths, napkins, curtains, and even in unsealed breakfast cereal. Larvae really enjoy eating dead bugs and spiders. Because of this, Varied Carpet Beetle larvae have decimated animal specimen collections 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
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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).
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Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
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Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
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Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: yellow; white; brown; black; tan; orange
