Varied carpet beetle

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Varied carpet beetle
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Coleoptera Family: Dermestidae Genus: Anthrenus Species: verbasci
Binomial name
Anthrenus verbasci (Linnaeus, 1767)

The varied carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci) is a 3 mm-long beetle that can be a serious household pest. The larval form is known as a woolly bear. The larvae of Pyrrharctia isabella are also known by this common name. It feeds on natural fibres, damaging carpets, furniture and clothing.

The larvae are distinguishable by brown, yellow and black bands and hairy bodies. They feed on vegetable matter (outdoors) and natural fibres (indoors). They can be a serious household pest, damaging clothes, furniture and carpets. They may come into houses from infested birds nests or in carpets, furniture or clothing from an infested home or store.

[edit] Control methods

As with moths, to avoid varied carpet beetle infestations store clothing in plastic containers. Dry clean clothing thoroughly before storing for long periods of time.

[edit] External links

• Varied Carpet Beetle Fact Sheet