Size, Shape and Colour: The adult Fur beetle is approximately 5mm in size, shiney black in colour with white spots across its back. They have short clubbed antennae and are oval in shape. They are also active fliers. The larvae grow to about 12mm in length and silky mahogany brown in colour with a long tail of silky hairs.
Biology: The females lay up to 100 eggs in places such as bird’s nests, attics and carpets. The larvae has approximately 6 moults and takes upto 6 months to develop, the pupae develops in 1-3 weeks within the last larval moult.
Preferred Foods: The larvae feed on clothing, fabrics and furs. Occasionally they feed on cereals and oilseeds plant products. The adults feed on pollen.
Habitat: Can be found in bird’s nests, domestic premises and animal units. The larvae can cause damage whereas the adults are harmless.
