Anthrenus is a genus of beetles in the Dermestidae family, skin beetles. One of several genera of carpet beetles, Anthrenus was historically placed in a subfamily Anthreninae, though presently included in the Megatominae. The genus Neoanthrenus is closely related.

Anthrenus carpet beetles are small beetles a few (1.8-4mm) millimeters long with a rounded shape. Their antennae bear small clubs at the end, which are larger in the males than in females. Many have a delicate pattern, with a dark body covered in colorful scales of various brown, tan, red, whitish and grey hues. These scales rub off easily and old individuals are often partially devoid of them, showing the shining black elytra. A considerable number of subspecies and varieties have been named, but it is questionable whether these are all valid or simply refer to such age-related differences. The massive number of species has been divided into several subgenera, but these are not too firmly established. The small subgenus Helocerus for example is sometimes entirely included in Florilinus. Also, new species are being described every now and then.

The majority of species associated with this genus are found in the semiarid regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, however the species commonly found indoors as pests are found worldwide. Most species are harmless pollen-eaters, with the long-haired larvae feeding on a wide range of dead animal or plant matter making them important decomposers. Some however, most notably the museum beetle (A. museorum), are significant pests infesting stored goods and especially biological specimens in museum collections. Their larvae may cause considerable damage to wool, fur, feathers, and natural history collections. Due to their larvae feeding on natural fibers they can be found laying eggs in carpets, hence the common name carpet beetles.

Primarily this genus breeds in the spring and the summer months living in temperate regions. They are found worldwide due to distribution and are presumed to have arrived in North America in the 1850s. In the wild adult carpet beetles are commonly found on flowering plants or occupying bird nests (such as sparrows and swallows) and bat roosts, though now more commonly as household pests.

...