AGEIOULTURAL COLLEGE BULLETL^S. 



No 17.— ZOOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 

 THE CARPET BEETLE. 



Every year brings its new insect pests to annoy, and too often to tliwart 

 the plans of our farmers and fruit growers. Generally the most to be 

 dreaded of these foes are imported species. Insects, if we may judge by 

 their work, do not need acclimatization, but the rather a change of air and 

 climate, as we always note that it is the new comer, the fresh importation, 

 that flourishes best, and works most mischief. The latest immigrant to reach 

 Michigan, and one of the latest in the United States, is the carpet beetle, 

 Anthrenus scrophularia3. This is not only a new comer and a foreigner, 

 but, true to its class, it is a most terrible pest, as will be fully shown in the 

 sequel. 



There is another most discouraging feature about this carpet beetle ; it 

 does not work like most injurious insects in field or garden, directly injuring 

 only the farmer, gardener, or fruit grower, but it comes into the houses in 

 ■city and country alike, and lays^ tribute upon every one who possesses a 

 carpet, rug, or any woolen apparel or other woolen goods. Even the finest 

 Brussels of the city palace no less than the beautiful rag carpet of the cozy 

 farm house, may be cut and ruined by these diminutive beetles. 



HISTORY IN" THE UNITED STATES. 



This beetle has long been known in Europe, and has frequently been found 

 there on flowers. It is not reported, however, to feed upon carpets or 

 woolen fabrics in Europe, but has been known to attack meats. In 1874 

 there were numerous reports of great injury to carpets, etc., in New York 

 and other eastern and New England States. In 1876 Prof. J. A. Lintner 

 wrote a full and admirable description of this beetle, which was ill ustrated by 

 excellent figures drawn by Dr. C. V. Riley, which figures are used in this 

 article. Since then these minute insects have rapidly spread, and have 

 brought consternation wherever they have gained a foothold. Two years 

 ago I received specimens from Lenawee county; while this year I have 

 specimens from several widely separated localities in our State, and from 

 several other States. In every case there comes a wail of discouragement, 

 and an urgent appeal for help. 



NEED OF INFORMATION. 



There seems to be almost no knowledge of this insect even by those who 

 have suffered the most deeply. One person whose carpet had been ruin- 



