[3] Anthrenus scrophulariae L.
The common carpet beetle was known as the carpet beetle in the years following its introduction into America when floors were more commonly than, now covered entirely with carpets that were tacked down along the edges, thus giving the larvæ an undisturbed shelter favorable to their development. Originally a pest in Europe, where it is still common, it was introduced into this country about 1874, probably at Boston and New York simultaneously. No stage of this common carpet beetle is longer than three-sixteenths to one-fourth of an inch. The general proportions of larva, pupa, and adult are shown in [Figure 1]. The rich reddish brown larvæ are clothed with stiff dark brown hairs which are longer around the sides, and still longer at the ends, than upon the back.
Fig. 1.—The common carpet beetle: a, Larva, dorsal view; b, pupa within larval skin; c, pupa, ventral view; d, adult. All enlarged (Riley.)
The larvæ feed upon carpets and woolens ([Fig. 2]), furs, feathers ([Fig. 3]), bristles, and silks. They remain secluded in dark places, hidden beneath carpets or in the folds of garments. They eat irregular holes in fabrics, but in carpets tacked to floors they are more likely to eat slits following cracks. They never cause a webbing on the fabric.
Fig. 2.—Typical carpet beetle damage to woolen cloth. For injury to feathers see [Fig. 3.]
While most conspicuous in the Northern States, this carpet beetle is frequently found in the latitude of Washington, D. C, and southward Specimens have, recently been sent from Texas and Florida. In a Washington storehouse the contents of a trunk closed for several years were found badly damaged by the larvæ.