Adults, oblong shape and 4.5 - 6mm long; colour: black, but for small patch of white hairs on either side of elytra; base of thorax also covered with white hairs; larvae have distinctive tuft of very long hairs which project backwards.

The Fur beetle may be found in a wide variety of products including furs, skins, textiles and grain. Adult carpet beetles live outdoors on pollen and nectar, they can also be found wandering On walls and windows. In temperate climates the larvae are particularly evident in autumn when they wander in search of food and hibernation sites. Carpet beetles thrive in situations where they remain undisturbed, for example beneath carpets, around skirting boards and in wardrobes. Bird and rodent nests, animal remains and dead insects are frequently reservoirs of infestations, so museums are a favourite stop.

Significance:
Larval forms can cause considerable damage to keratin-containing products such as wool, fur, leather silk and dried animal remains. Occasionally, food products of plant origin, such as cereals and fibres, will also he attacked. Damage takes the form of clean, irregular holes and in textiles these generally occur around seams.

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