Attagenus smirnovi

The brown fur beetles ( Attagenus smirnovi ) is a species of beetle in the family of skin beetles. It belongs to the genus of fur beetles and is considered synanthroper pest, that is, he lives in the houses and homes of the people, where it can be found on wool textiles, carpets, hides and furs. It can also cause great damage in museums.

Features

The brown fur beetles are elongated and reach a body length of 2.3 to 4.0 millimeters. Head and pronotum are dark brown to black. The elytra are hairy light brown and dense.

Dissemination

The brown fur beetles has its natural range in Africa. It spread across Russia, Czech Republic and other Eastern European countries to Germany, Denmark and the UK. In Germany it was first identified in 1985 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

1961 ES Smirnov watched the brown fur beetles for the first time in Moscow. It was not until 1973 he was R. D. Schantijew ( English transcription: Zhantiev ) described as new Pelzkäferart Attagenus smirnovi. He is smirnovi Because of the species name called by British scientists on the basis of the vodka brand Smirnoff vodka Beetle ( Vodka beetle ).

From museums and scientific institutions in Northern Europe, an international project was established, which is to investigate the diffusion mechanisms of the brown fur beetle in Europe and their relation to climate change. Among other things, should be investigated, which climatic conditions allow the fur beetles to autonomously fly from house to house and thereby actively redistribute.