Anthrenus musaeorum

beetle

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Anthrenus musaeorum is a species of beetle belonging to the genus Anthrenus. These beetles are small and have hairy larvae that are known to be destructive to various organic materials. Specifically, they feed on dried animal products such as skins and insect specimens, making them pests in museums where they can damage botanical and zoological collections. The genus Anthrenus is part of the family Dermestidae, which includes other common pests like carpet beetles.12

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dermestid beetle
Major genera and species
>A. musaeorum are two important museum pests. The larvae feed on and have destroyed collections of stuffed mammals, birds, and insects. Museums and private collectors must either have pestproof display shelves or continuously apply pesticides to protect their collections. The larvae of carrion-feeding species are…
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>A. musaeorum are two important museum pests. The larvae feed on and have destroyed collections of stuffed mammals, birds, and insects. Museums and private collectors must either have pestproof display shelves or continuously apply pesticides to protect their collections. The larvae of carrion-feeding species are…
Read More