Buffalo Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus scrophulariae
This record describes Anthrenus scrophulariae (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scales of dorsal surface black, white and red (or yellow), distributed in a characteristic pattern. Eyes notched in front, antennae 11-segmented, with club of 3 segments. image on cover of first ed. of Peterson's Field Guide to the Insects
Wikipedia reference for Anthrenus scrophulariae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthrenus_scrophulariae.
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
In some European countries is known to occur outdoors only (in bird & wasp nests, and on dead animals). There seem to be two biological variants: one breeds indoors and does not visit flowers, and one breeds outdoors.
Geographic Range
Native to the Palaearctic region, introduced elsewhere, now cosmopolitan (more common in north temperate regions and less common in humid regions) and transcontinental in NA ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (n. & c. US + adjacent Canada) ( 5 ) Records ( 6 ) ( 5 ) : CAN BC NB NS ON PE QC USA CO CT IA IN KS MI MA ME MN MO NC NE NH NJ NY OH OR RI UT WI WV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on nectar and pollen ( 3 ) ; larvae feed on various animal materials (incl. wool, feathers, hair/fur, and museum specimens) and dried plants ( 4 ) household pest known to attack dried insect collections ( 3 )
Life History
Adults copulate and feed on the blossoms of white flowers; the females require nectar and pollen to stimulate oviposition, which usually limits indoor infestations. Mated and fed females fly into houses or carried in on flowers. Once inside, or in an animal burrow or nest, the female lays eggs and dies. Larvae feed until the end of the warm season, when most pupate and the remainder overwinter. ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthrenus scrophulariae (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anthrenus scrophulariae. 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 Buffalo Carpet Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Scott Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Carpet Beetle
What is Buffalo Carpet Beetle?
Buffalo Carpet Beetle (Anthrenus scrophulariae) is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Buffalo Carpet Beetle?
2-3.8 mm
How do you identify Buffalo Carpet Beetle?
Scales of dorsal surface black, white and red (or yellow), distributed in a characteristic pattern. Eyes notched in front, antennae 11-segmented, with club of 3 segments.
Where is Buffalo Carpet Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In some European countries is known to occur outdoors only (in bird & wasp nests, and on dead animals). There seem to be two biological variants: one breeds indoors and does not visit flowers, and one breeds outdoors. |
| Range | Native to the Palaearctic region, introduced elsewhere, now cosmopolitan (more common in north temperate regions and less common in humid regions) and transcontinental in NA ( 3 ) ( 4 ) (n. & c. US + adjacent Canada) ( 5 ) Records ( 6 ) ( 5 ) : CAN BC NB NS ON PE QC USA CO CT IA IN KS MI MA ME MN MO NC NE NH NJ NY OH OR RI UT WI WV |
What does Buffalo Carpet Beetle eat?
The diet of the Buffalo Carpet Beetle includes Adults feed on nectar and pollen ( 3 ) ; larvae feed on various animal materials (incl. wool, feathers, hair/fur, and museum specimens) and dried plants ( 4 ) household pest known to attack dried insect collections ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Buffalo Carpet Beetle?
Adults copulate and feed on the blossoms of white flowers; the females require nectar and pollen to stimulate oviposition, which usually limits indoor infestations. Mated and fed females fly into houses or carried in on flowers. Once inside, or in an animal burrow or nest, the female lays eggs and dies. Larvae feed until the end of the warm season, when most pupate and the remainder overwinter. ( 4 )