Fur Beetle

Fur Beetle

Attagenus pellio

Appearance

Fur Beetle
  • Adult — 4–6 mm long. Elongate oval. One small patch of white on each wing case, otherwise red–brown to black.
  • Larva — 6 mm long. Long orange tufts of hair on the last abdominal segment.
  • Larvae have a banded appearance.
  • Pupa — formed in the last larval skin.

Lifecycle

  • Mating takes place outdoors after which they fly indoors to lay eggs. Normally one generation per year but development may extend to three years.

Habits

  • A common inhabitant of birds nests. Adults feed outdoors often on Spiraea plants.
  • Larvae attack furs, skins, woollens, etc. and stored grain.