Fur Beetle

Attagenus pellio

Appearance

• Adult — 1/8" - 1/4" long. Elongate oval. One small patch of white on each wing case, otherwise red–brown to black.
• Larva — 1/4" 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.