CARPET
BEETLE:
Dermestidae are a family of Coleoptera that are commonly referred to as skin beetles.
Other common names include larder beetle, hide or leather beetles, carpet
beetles, and khapra beetles. There are approximately 500 to 700 species
worldwide. They can range in size from 112 mm. Key characteristics for
adults are round oval shaped bodies covered in scales or setae. The (usually) clubbed antennae fit into deep grooves. The hind femora also fit into recesses of the coxa.
Larvae are scarabaeiform and also have
setae.
Dermestids have a variety of habits; most genera are
scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material
such as skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead
insects and natural fibers. Members of Dermestes are found in animal
carcasses, while others may be found in mammal,
bird, bee, or
wasp nests. Thaumaglossa only lives in the
egg cases of mantids, while Trogoderma species are
pests of grain.
These beetles are significant in forensic
entomology. Some species are known to be associated
with decaying carcasses which help with criminal investigations. Also some
species are pests and can cause millions of dollars
in damage to natural fibers in homes and to major businesses.
They are used in taxidermy and natural history meusiums
to clean animal skeletons. Some dermestid
species, commonly called "bow bugs," infest violin cases, feeding on the bow hair.
The carpet beetle larvae start to feed as soon as
they hatch. They are carrot shaped and heavily covered with setae especially in
their posterior end. The number of instars differ from 511 and in some cases reach up to 20. The black
carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma, larvae may grow up to 1/2 inch
(12 mm) and be yellow to brown in color. Other types of carpet beetles are
regularly 1/4 to 1 inch (6 to 25 mm) in length and covered with dark setae.
Certain species have distinctive tufts of setae extending from their posterior
end. These beetles are attracted to soiled fabrics and crevices where dead
insects may serve as a food source.
Black carpet beetle
The black carpet beetle,
Attagenus megatoma, is a widely known stored product pest and one of the
most destructive because the damage caused to household products containing
keratin, which is a protein found in animal hair and
feathers. They are also able to burrow through various food packaging allowing
passage for other insects as well. Females can lay up to 90 eggs and they hatch
in about 8 to 15 days. Generally this species only has one generation a year.
The time it takes to become an adult varies from 6 months to a year. In
addition, an adult black carpet beetle can live up for an additional 2 months.
The average adult size is about 2.8 to 5 mm long and they are oval, dark
brown to shiny-black in color, and have brown legs.
Varied carpet
beetle
The Varied Carpet Beetle ,
Anthrenus verbasci, attacks typical household objects. Carpet beetles are
normally associated with things such as carpets, wool, furs, and any processed
animal or plant food. Their appetite also includes dead insects, spiders, and
even nectar and pollen. They are typically found throughout the United States
and Canada. Females can
lay up to 40 eggs and the number of larval instars range from 7 TO 8 stages. The
time it takes to become an adult varies from about 8 months to a year. In
addition, the adults can live around 2 to 6 weeks. This species varies in shape,
size, color, and pattern of scales. On average, the adults are 2 to 3 mm in
length and have scales that vary from white, brown, yellow, or even
gray-yellow.
Regular cleaning of spilled food or lint will eliminate
any sites for potential breeding. Susceptible items like food,
woolins, and furs should be stored in an insect proof
container. If an infestation is suspected then the source of the problem must be
removed and destroyed to further limit any possibility of spreading. These
beetles can be killed with extreme heat or exposure to freezers.
Pyrethroid insecticides can be use in order to
control carpet beetles. Products containing active ingredients such as
permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, tralomethrin are
components of the Pyrethroid
insecticide.
CARPET
BEETLE:



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