A to Z of Pests

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.