Attagenus woodroffei beetle

(Attagenus woodroffei)

Adult beetle:  4–6 mm
Larva: 10–11 mm

Identification marks

The adult beetle is a dark brown, round beetle about half a centimetre in size, with a yellowish saw blade-shaped stripe on its back. It is covered with fine, thick hair. Its antennas are short, filamentous and thicker towards the tip.

The larva will grow to be around one centimetre in length, it is dark brown and tapers off at the end. Its end has tuft of hairs and the larva is clearly segmented and, therefore, looks like it has stripes. If bothered, the larva will curl up.

Occurrence

The Attagenus woodroffei beetle is not a domestic species and, therefore, it only inhabits warmed spaces, such as apartments and storages. It hides behind the skirting and in cupboards and similar dark spaces.

Damage

The larvae eat furs and wool, cotton and linen cloth, creating tiny, sharp-edged holes. The adult beetle does not require any sustenance.

Prevention and extermination

Attagenus woodroffei beetle is exterminated, as any other textile pests.

Link to the extermination section