INSECTS AFFECTING MAN AND ANIMALS 401 



The webbing, or southern clothes-moth, Tineola biselliella, 

 is more abundant in southern latitudes. It is about the same 

 size as the preceding species, and the fore wings are uniformly 

 pale ochreous without any markings. The larvae feed on al- 

 most any kind of dry animal tissue, but are especially de- 

 structive to woolens, furs, feathers and hair. They construct 

 no case, but spin a cobwebby path wherever they go and when 

 ready to pupate make silken cocoons. 



Clothing in continuous use or carpets or hangings that are 

 frequently aired and dusted, are not troubled by these insects. 

 The woolen clothes, furs, etc., that are stored away for the 

 summer, and carpets or upholstered furniture that do not 

 receive regular and thorough cleanings suffer most. If woolens 

 and furs are well dusted and allowed to hang in the sun for a 

 few hours, and are then packed in tight paper boxes or wrapped 

 carefully in linen they will not be bothered by the moths. 

 Carpets are apt to become infested 

 along the edges or under heavy furni- 

 ture that is seldom moved. A liberal 

 use of gasoline over the infested areas 

 will kill the larvae that are feeding 

 there. Napthaline flakes or "moth 

 balls" act as repellants for the moths, 

 but do not kill the larvae. The insects FIG. 187. Carpet- 

 do not breed in temperatures lower beetle, or "buffalo- 

 than 40 F., and valuable goods are j$^ b'*.3 

 often placed in cold storage when it is adult. (After Howard 



necessary to pack them away for some an , d Marlatt; much 



J enlarged.) 



time. 



Carpet-beetles. The carpet-beetles, Anthrenus scroph- 

 ularice, or "buffalo-moths," as the larvae are sometimes called, 

 feed on carpets and sometimes on other woolen goods that are 

 packed away. The adults are small, broadly oval, black 

 beetles that are covered with minute black and grayish scales 

 which give the insect a mottled appearance. The larvae 

 have habits somewhat like those of the clothes moth larvae, 

 and may be controlled by the same treatment. 



Some of the insects that attack flour, meal and other grain 

 26 



