Fur Beetle

Attagenus pellio

Appearance

Image of Fur Beetle (Attagenus pellio) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • Adult — 3/16"–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.