Anthrenus fuscus

The pattern of A. fuscus is quite distinctive. It is also smaller (up to 3 mm) and darker than the more common A. verbasci.

During the summer months, the adult beetles are often found outside, feeding on pollen and nectar of plants - particularly of the Umbellifers and plants such as Lily of the Valley, or on window sills. After mating, the females can fly through open windows into buildings to lay eggs.

All year round.

Common egg laying sites are on material of animal origins such as wool carpets and clothing, animal furs etc. Damage is caused by the larvae (woolly bears) hatching from the eggs and feeding on the materials until fully grown when they pupate. The adults emerge from the pupal case in late spring or early summer and fly towards the outside to feed and mate. They are commonly found on windowsills in the summer as a result. The whole life cycle is normally completed in a year. 

Common and widespread in England and Wales.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 22 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.