Varied Carpet Beetle

Anthrenus verbasci

Appearance

•   3 mm long, ladybird shape.
•   Patterns vary according to species but often a mixture of black, white and yellow.
•   Larva — 4–5 mm long. Brown and hairy with three bunches of spear–headed hairs either side of the rear segments.
•   Pupa — formed in the last larval skin.
•   Duration 10 to 30 days.

Lifecycle

•  Normally one generation per year but possibly two in warm temperatures.

Habits

•  Larvae will roll up when disturbed. Hairs may be an irritant to some people.
•  Larvae known as “woolly bears”.
•  A common pest in museums and houses. Adults feed outdoors often on Spiraea plants.
•  Mating takes place outdoors after which they fly indoors to lay eggs.
•  A common inhabitant of birds nests.