Anthrenus fuscus
This record describes Anthrenus fuscus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The pattern of A. fuscus is quite distinctive. It is also smaller (up to 3 mm) and darker than the more common A. verbasci . During the summer months, the adult beetles are often found outside, feeding on pollen and nectar of plants - particularly of the Umbellifers and plants such as Lily of the Valley, or on window sills. After mating, the females can fly through open windows into buildings to lay eggs. Common egg laying sites are on material of animal origins such as wool carpets and clothing, animal furs etc. Damage is caused by the larvae (woolly bears) hatching from the eggs and feeding on the materials until fully grown when they pupate. The adults emerge from the pupal case in late spring or early summer and fly towards the outside to feed and mate. They are commonly found on windowsills in the summer as a result. The whole life cycle is normally completed in a year. Common and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Anthrenus fuscus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthrenus_fuscus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Megatominae
- Tribe
- Anthrenini
- Genus
- Anthrenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
During the summer months, the adult beetles are often found outside, feeding on pollen and nectar of plants - particularly of the Umbellifers and plants such as Lily of the Valley, or on window sills. After mating, the females can fly through open windows into buildings to lay eggs.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Common egg laying sites are on material of animal origins such as wool carpets and clothing, animal furs etc. Damage is caused by the larvae (woolly bears) hatching from the eggs and feeding on the materials until fully grown when they pupate. The adults emerge from the pupal case in late spring or early summer and fly towards the outside to feed and mate. They are commonly found on windowsills in the summer as a result. The whole life cycle is normally completed in a year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthrenus fuscus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anthrenus fuscus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthrenus fuscus
What is Anthrenus fuscus?
Anthrenus fuscus is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Anthrenus fuscus found?
Habitat: During the summer months, the adult beetles are often found outside, feeding on pollen and nectar of plants - particularly of the Umbellifers and plants such as Lily of the Valley, or on window sills. After mating, the females can fly through open windows into buildings to lay eggs.
When is Anthrenus fuscus active?
Anthrenus fuscus: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Anthrenus fuscus?
Common egg laying sites are on material of animal origins such as wool carpets and clothing, animal furs etc. Damage is caused by the larvae (woolly bears) hatching from the eggs and feeding on the materials until fully grown when they pupate. The adults emerge from the pupal case in late spring or early summer and fly towards the outside to feed and mate. They are commonly found on windowsills in the summer as a result. The whole life cycle is normally completed in a year.