Attagenus brunneus
This record describes Attagenus brunneus (species). Recorded family: Dermestidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Differs from the very similar A. unicolor in the following: antennal club in male distinctly longer than remainder of antenna (about as long in unicolor ), antennae often completely pale (always terminally infuscate in unicolor ); elytra brown, hind margin of pronotum with distinct fringe of pale hairs (often black, pronotum without fringe of hairs in unicolor ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Dermestidae (Carpet Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Attageninae
- Tribe
- Attagenini
- Genus
- Attagenus (Black Carpet Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
found regularly in houses ( 5 )
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic (the Mediterranean & the Caucasus) ( 4 ) , adventive in NA and widespread in the US ( 5 ) ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: infests a variety of plant and animal materials, including woolens, felt, and processed foods (dried buttermilk, dried milk, peanuts) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Attagenus brunneus Faldermann 1835
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Attagenus brunneus. 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 Attagenus brunneus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Attagenus brunneus
What is Attagenus brunneus?
Attagenus brunneus is a species in the family Dermestidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Attagenus brunneus?
2.9–5 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Attagenus brunneus?
Differs from the very similar A. unicolor in the following: antennal club in male distinctly longer than remainder of antenna (about as long in unicolor ), antennae often completely pale (always terminally infuscate in unicolor ); elytra brown, hind margin of pronotum with distinct fringe of pale hairs (often black, pronotum without fringe of hairs in unicolor ).
Where is Attagenus brunneus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | found regularly in houses ( 5 ) |
| Range | native to w. Palaearctic (the Mediterranean & the Caucasus) ( 4 ) , adventive in NA and widespread in the US ( 5 ) ( 6 ) |
What does Attagenus brunneus eat?
The diet of the Attagenus brunneus includes infests a variety of plant and animal materials, including woolens, felt, and processed foods (dried buttermilk, dried milk, peanuts) ( 3 ).