Knowing about the lifecycle and habits of different fabric beetle species can help to identify the most effective control methods.

Leather beetle/Hide beetle

(Dermestes maculatus)

Appearance

• Adult is 6–10 mm in length.
• Black and dull in colour with white underside.
• Larva is 3–9 mm in length with orange stripe running down its back.

Lifecycle

• Female lays up to 800 eggs. 
• Lifecycle is 2–3 months.

Habits

• Pupates in solid material such as wood. 
• Feeds on various animal products and dried fish. 
• Commonly found infesting silk production areas and museums

Fur beetle

(Attagenus pellio)

Appearance

• Adult is 4–6 mm in length.
• Reddish brown to black in colour with distinctive white spots; one on each wing cases.
• Larva is 6 mm in length with long orange ‘tail’ of hairs.

Lifecycle

• Normally one generation per year
• Development can take up to three years.

Habits

• Mating takes place outdoors after which they fly indoors to lay eggs.
• Common inhabitant of bird nests.
• Larva feeds on dead insects and animal materials such as wools, feather and furs.
• Adult feeds on pollen and nectar.