Anthrenocerus australis, commonly known as the Australian carpet beetle, is a species of beetle belonging to the Dermestidae family. It is one of the most researched of the thirty-one species in the genus Anthrenocerus. This is generally attributed to its prevalence throughout Australia and New Zealand and the negative economic and agricultural impact it has as a pest. It is the larvae that causes damage to products, not the adult beetle. The total life cycle of this insect is around three years, most of which is spent as a larva. Once the beetle reaches maturity, it only lives for between two and six weeks.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Australian Carpet Beetle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Anthrenus polonicus
- Trogoderma quinquefasciatum
- Trogoderma versicolor
- Anthrenus fuscus
- Trogoderma inclusum
- Trogoderma glabrum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dermestidae
- Genus
- Anthrenocerus
- Species
- Anthrenocerus australis
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