Micro dainty Dermestid beetle
So tiny at just 2 to 3 mm in length. But how pretty, with the variegated scales.
Most Dermestids (beetles within family Dermestidae) are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material, such as skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibres.
This was just one of many Anthrenus verbasci that I saw on native Leptospermum polygalifolium flowers.
I learned that this very species was the first insect to be shown to have an annual behavioural rhythm and to date, remains a classic example of circannual cycles in animals.
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Micro dainty Dermestid beetle
So tiny at just 2 to 3 mm in length. But how pretty, with the variegated scales.
Most Dermestids (beetles within family Dermestidae) are scavengers that feed on dry animal or plant material, such as skin or pollen, animal hair, feathers, dead insects and natural fibres.
This was just one of many Anthrenus verbasci that I saw on native Leptospermum polygalifolium flowers.
I learned that this very species was the first insect to be shown to have an annual behavioural rhythm and to date, remains a classic example of circannual cycles in animals.
© All rights reserved.