What's Eating Your Collection?

Full grown larva

Size: 1mm when first hatched to 10mm fully grown

Shape: Torpedo-shaped, tapering to the rear.

Colour: Dark brown bands

Antennae: Not visible

Distinguishing features: Hairs laid flat on back and there is a brush of long hairs at the tail end.  

Note: These are extremely difficult to distinguish from vodka beetle larvae, Attagenus smirnovi.

Empty cast skins or moults are often found, particularly on textiles.

Larvae are pests of: Wool, fur, feathers. Larvae will eat insects and are common in historic houses