Black Carpet Beetle Research Articles

Progeny Suppression of Attagenus megatoma and Trogoderma parabile by Dietary Factors12

Chlortetracycline (Aureomycin®) and sorbic acid at dosage levels of 0.05-1.0% (w/w) and 1.2-8.0% (w/w), respectively, were incorporated in the diet of both the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.), and Trogoderma parabile Beal. Mated pairs developing from sorbic acid treatments produced progeny unable to survive the first larval instar. Chlortetracycline did not affect either species. Neither material, during the parental generation, affected larval or adult weight, survival to adult stage, pupal or adult longevity, or larval or adult melinization. Preliminary microbiological attempts to isolate and establish the presence of commensual or mutualistic symbiotes were unsuccessful with both species, as were attempts to locate intracellular symbiotes, mycetocytes, or mycetomes by histological examination of larvae and adults. Comparative gross anatomical studies of adults of both species from the highest level treatments and untreated controls revealed no differences in development of ovaries or testes.

Studies on the Internal Anatomy of the Black Carpet Beetle, Attagenus megatoma123

The histology and anatomy of the digestive tract of the adult and larva of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.) (= A. piccus (Olivier)), are described and illustrated. Posteriorly, the larval foregut is expanded into a bulb which is formed by a proliferation of noncellular material similar to basement membrane. Within the adult digestive tract, the larval midgut is retained as a closed tube until excreted. There is evidence that the midgut epithelium is regenerated with each larval molt. The malpighian tubules are appressed distally to the ventral portion of the hindgut and are formed terminally into a mass of convoluted tubules. Bands of oenocytes occur along the dorsoventral muscles in larval and adult abdominal segments and in the meso- and metathorax of the adult. The female reproductive system consists of 2 ovaries each containing 6 ovarioles, a partially sclerotized diverticulum of the vagina, a spermatheca, and an accessory gland. The anus and gonopore arc separate openings on the same sclerotized tube. The male system contains 2 testes each with 6 sperm tubes, 2 seminal vesicles, 2 accessory glands, and 4 unidentified projections.

O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate O-ester with phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime (Bay 77488) as a Mothproofer of Woolen Fabrics

O,O-diethyl phosphorothioate O-ester with phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime (Bay 77488) at calculated deposits as low as 0.05% by weight satisfactorily protected woolen cloth against feeding damage by. larvae of the black carpet beetle Attagenus piceus (Olivier) and of the webbing clothes moth Tineola bisselliella (Hummel). The biological data also showed the Bay 77488 residues to be moderately resistant to washing. highly resistant to drycleaning, and persistent through aging for at least 12 months. The oral LD 50 to rats is more than 1000 mg/kg.

Relative Toxicity of Bay 77488 and Dursban Against Stored-Product Insects

When applied topically, Bay 77488 ( O, O -diethyl Phosphorothioate O -ester with phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime) and Dursban® ( O, O -diethyl O -3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl phosphorothioate) were more effective than malathion as direct-contact toxicants against adults of confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal; and cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.); and larvae of Indian-meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner); and black carpet beetle, Attagenus megatoma (F.) (= A. piceus (Olivier)).

Sex attractant of the black carpet beetle.

The principal component of the sex attractant of the black carpet beetle Attagenus megatoma (Fabricius) is trans-3, cis-5-tetradecadienoic acid.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Mothproofing Agents

Mothproofing studies were conducted with 8 cationic quaternary ammonium compounds applied to woolen doth in constant-temperature baths. In CSMA (Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association) insect-feeding tests with larvae of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus piceus (Olivier), and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), these materials showed promise as mothproofing agents. The residues were not resistant to washing but were quite resistant to drycleaning. Application studies with Hyamine® 3500 (N -alkyl (C12, C14, C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride), found to be one of the more promising of the 8 compounds tested, showed this material can be used successfully for mothproofing washable woolens during laundering in automatic and nonautomatic home washers.

Mothproofing Investigations with Barthrin and Dimethrin

Fabrics treated with barthrin and dimethrin were given satisfactory protection from black carpet beetle larvae, Attagenus piceus (Olivier). in standard mothproofing tests. In feeding tests, after the treated cloth had been washed or drycleaned, the barthrin residues resisted washings but not drycleanings. Dimethrin residues were not very resistant to either washings or drycleanings. After the treated test fabric had aged 1 year, the barthrin-treated cloths still were protected from insect feeding. Only the cloths treated with the lowest deposit of dimethrin had very light damage.

Effect of Gramma Radiation on Trogoderma glabrum and Attagenus piceus1

A study to determine the gross effects of gamma radiation on Trogoderma glabrum (Herbst) and the black carpet beetle, Attagenus piceus (Olivier), was conducted. All metamorphic stages of the insects were treated with 13.2 ± 10%, 17.5, 25, 45, and 100 kilorads or with 13.2 kilorads ± 10% repeated 5 times at hourly intervals for a total of 66 kilorads ± 10%. Each week mortality, developmental progress, and reproduction by treated individuals were checked. Eggs and larvae of both species were controlled effectively by all dosages. However, no dosage used was enough to produce complete mortality immediately of any of the stages of either species. Reproduction in both species was limited in the F1 generation to the insects where the P1 generation received the lowest dosage. Indications are that males of both species when treated directly were less subject to genetic damage than the females. Genetic damage, as evidenced by reduced reproduction, was transmitted to the F1 generation of T. globrum .

Evidence of Sex Pheromones in Females of Several Species of Dermestidae1

A volatile substance was obtained from the unmated female adult of the black carpet beetle, Attagenus piceus (Olivier); Trogoderma inclusum LeConte; and T. glabrum (Herbst) that influenced the behavior of the respective males. The volatile chemical or chemicals were collected by allowing the virgin females to walk on absorbent-paper disce or by washing with ether the filter paper and glass jars that held the virgin females. The substance was also filtered from an air stream that had passed through a flask containing virgin females.

Toxicity of Seven Candidate Fumigants to Stored-Product Insects

Laboratory studies were conducted to compare the toxicity of 7 candidate fumigants with methyl bromide (reference standard) to adults of confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val and of cigarette beetle Lasioderma serricorne (F.), and larvae of black carpet beetle, Attagenus piceus (Olivier). The insects were fumigated in 19.5-liter bottles at 80° ±4 °F and at a relative humidity of 78 ± 18%, In 24-hr exposure tests 2 propyn 1-01, n-butyl isothiocyanate and Virginia-Carolina 3-676 ( O -methyl S, S -dipropyl phosphorodithioatc) were the only chemicals that were more toxic than methyl bromide at LD93to all 3 insect species.

Fumigant Toxicity of 1,2,3-Tribromopropene, Ethylenimine, Crotyl Bromide, and Carbon Tetrachloride to Stored-Product Insects

Laboratory fumigations were conducted to compare the toxicity of 1,2,3-tribromopropene (C2H3Br3), ethylenimine (C2H5N), crotyl bromide (86% 1-bromo-2-butene and 14% 3-bromo-1-butene), and carbon tetrachloride (CCI4), to the adult confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val; to the adult saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L); to the adult cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.); and to the black carpet beetle larva, Attagenus piceus (Olivier). The insects were fumigated with these chemicals in 19.5-liter bottles for 24 hours at 80 ± 4° F and at an RH of 78% ± 18%. The dosage (mg/l) required for the LD95, depending on the species, varied from 0.35 to 2.39 for 1,2,3-tribromopropene, 0.87 to 5.02 for ethylenimine, 1.49 to 6.15 for crotyl bromide, and 50.7 to 298.1 for carbon tetrachloride.

Sterol Antagonists and House Fly Reproduction

Several structural analogs of cholesterol have been shown to inhibit growth and development of larvae of the black carpet beetle ( Attagenus piceus (Olivier)) (McKennis 1947, 1954), nymphs of the German cockroach ( Blattella germanica (L.)) (Noland 1953, 1954a, 1954b), and larvae of the oriental house fly ( Musca domestica vicina Macq.) (Levinson and Bergmann 1957). These compounds were effective even when cholesterol was present in the diet at concentrations which would normally support growth.

The Attraction of Salts and Other Nutrients to the Larvae of Fabric Insects1

Larvae of the webbing clothes moth ( Tineola bisselliella (Hummel)) and the furniture carpet beetle ( Anthrenus flavipes LeConte) are attracted to stains consisting of minerals, proteins, and B vitamins. Of the salts tested, K2HPO4, KCL, NaCL and Na2 HPO4 appear to be most readily eaten. It appears that a stain such as tomato juice is readily eaten because it contains these salts. The larva of the black carpet beetle ( Attagenus piceus (Olivier)) was not especially attracted to the above mentioned salts or to the more common stains.

Protection of Stored Woolens from Insect Damage

Various control techniques were evaluated as methods of protecting stored woolens. The use of tightly sealed plastic containers us barriers prevented larvae of the black carpet beetle ( Attagenus piceus (Oliv.)) and larvae of the webbing clothes moth ( Tineola bisselliella (Hum.)) from attacking stored woolens. Formalin and paradichlorobenzene (PDB) fumigants were effective against clothes moth adults, but both were ineffective against the carpet beetle larvae. The residual spray technique, employing 5% DDT, 5% methoxychlor, 1.25% lindane, 2% chlordane, 0.5% dieldrin, or 0.5% Diazinon, did not give satisfactory kill of the carpet beetle larvae. The hazards involved in using DDT, chlordane and other impregnants were considered. For the homemaker, the barrier technique using tightly scaled plastic containers is recommended as an easy and effective control measure.

The Attraction of Stains to Three Species of Fabric Pests1

Large and small webbing clothes moth larvae, Tineola bisselliella (Hum.), are attracted to wool stained with human urine, human sweat, tomato juice, milk, beer, black coffee, and beef gravy. Small larvae of the furniture carpet beetle, Anthrenus flanipes Lec., also feed on such stains. Small larvae of the black carpel beetle, Attalenus piceus (Oliv.), are less attracted. Large larvae of the black carpet beetle show no preference for the stained areas. The large larvae of the furniture carpet beetle are attracted to beer and tomato juice stains, and show an occasional carpreference for the other stains. Wool stained with butter, tea, cola soft drink, and a 5% sugar solution does not attract any of the larvae. Tests under starvation conditions showed that the larvae of the furniture carpet beetle fed on stained nylon and Dacron. The larvae of the black carpet beetle fed on nylon stained with human sweat. Stained Orion and Dynel were not fed upon by any of the larvae of the three species.

Laboratory Evaluation of Various Residual Sprays for the Control of Dermestids Infesting Milk-Drying Plants1

A number of chemicals were evaluated under laboratory conditions for their effectiveness against larvae of the larger cabinet beetle ( Trogoderma inclusum (Lee.)) and the black carpet beetle ( Attagenus piceus (Oliv.)). The chemicals were applied as acetone solutions to masonite panels. Ten larvae were exposed to the panels1hour after treatment and again later to those panels that had appeared effective during the preliminary test and had aged for various periods of time. Malathion, Chlorthion, Diazinon, and lindane appeared to be the most effective insecticides evaluated to date for use against these dermestids.

Dieldrin as a Permanent Mothproofing Agent1

Samples of Botany flannel standard test fabric and standard blanket fabric, dieldrin-treated and untreated, dyed and undyed, manipulated far in excess of pertaining American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) requirements and unmanipulated, were subjected to 28 days of feeding by black carpet beetle larvae ( Attagenus piceus (Oliv.)) in accordance with ASTM Designation: D 582-54 to determine the efficacy and durability of dieldrin as a permanent mothproofing agent for woolens. Five replicate test strips were used for each test increment, with 10 replicate test strips being used for each untreated manipulated and untreated unmanipulated increment to establish base-line feeding potentials. Dieldrin-treated fabrics, dyed and undyed, manipulated far in excess of pertaining ASTM requirements and unmanipulated, were protected against black carpet beetle larval feeding throughout the duration of the test period. Dieldrin-treated fabrics which, prior to feeding exposure, had been subjected to 20 washings, 25 drycleanings with Stoddard solvent, 25 Hoffman pressings, 5 Stoddard drycleanings plus wet cleaning, 5 sea water saturations, 5 acid or 5 alkaline perspiration saturations, 100 hours in a Fadeometer, or in excess of the ASTM standard abrasion test, were protected against black carpet beetle larval feeding. Such manipulations did not appear to affect the protectant efficacy or durability of the dieldrin treatment. All untreated manipulated and untreated unmanipulated fabrics were destroyed by severe warp and severe nap feeding.

Oil-Base Sprays against Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetle1

Journal Article Oil-Base Sprays against Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetle Get access A. C. Miller, A. C. Miller Gulf Research and Development Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Arnold Mallis, Arnold Mallis Gulf Research and Development Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar W. C. Easterlin W. C. Easterlin Gulf Research and Development Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 51, Issue 2, 1 April 1958, Pages 249–250, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/51.2.249 Published: 01 April 1958 Article history Accepted: 13 January 1957 Published: 01 April 1958

Toxicity and Repellency of Paradichlorobenzene to Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetle1

Journal Article Toxicity and Repellency of Paradichlorobenzene to Larvae of the Black Carpet Beetle Get access John W. Arnold John W. Arnold Crop Insect Unit, Entomology Division, Ottawa, Canada Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 50, Issue 4, 1 August 1957, Pages 469–471, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/50.4.469 Published: 01 August 1957

The Effects of Red, White, and South American Cedar Chests on the Various Stages of the Webbing Clothes Moth and the Black Carpet Beetle

The Effects of Red, White, and South American Cedar Chests on the Various Stages of the Webbing Clothes Moth and the Black Carpet Beetle