Native Carpet Beetles, Anthrenocerus spp.
Late May to Late October 2013
Franklin
A larva found inside the house was reared on long dead adult insects. It had a distinct taste for the flies, largely devouring a Drone Fly, a Wood Gnat, a Stable Fly, and a Onesia sp. (Calliphoridae). It rejected specimens of other Orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera) and a flesh fly (Sarcophagidae). The larva reached a length of 5mm before pupating (3rd pic.), the adult emerged just under two months later and measured around 3mm.
Mid January 2010
Hobart
Late May to Late October 2013
Franklin
A larva found inside the house was reared on long dead adult insects. It had a distinct taste for the flies, largely devouring a Drone Fly, a Wood Gnat, a Stable Fly, and a Onesia sp. (Calliphoridae). It rejected specimens of other Orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera) and a flesh fly (Sarcophagidae). The larva reached a length of 5mm before pupating (3rd pic.), the adult emerged just under two months later and measured around 3mm.
Mid January 2010Hobart
Mid November 2009
Hobart
Larva
Late September 2012
Franklin
Mid November 2017
Hobart
Rescued from a bird bath
