Fur beetle

(Attagenus pellio)

Adult beetle:  5 mm
Larva:  10 mm

Identification marks

The same size as the Attagenus woodroffei beetle, but the wings have two spots and the neck has one (three in total). The larva is covered with thick hair, tapers off at the end and is yellowish in colour. Its back end has a long tuft of hair. When touched, the larva will curl up.

Occurrence

This species produces one annual generation. Fur beetles are a native species of Finland. The female lays eggs in bird nests, and the larvae can hibernate indoors.

Damage

The larvae eat smooth-edged holes into textiles. The fur beetle is allergenic.

Prevention and extermination

Exterminated, as any other textile pests.

Link to the extermination section