What is "anthrenus scrophulariae"

Anthrenus \An*thre"nus\ ([a^]n*thr[=e]"n[u^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. 'anqrh`nh a hornet.] (Zo["o]l.) A genus of small beetles, several of which, in the larval state, are very destructive to woolen goods, fur, etc. The common ``museum pest'' is Anthrenus varius; the carpet beetle is Anthrenus scrophulari[ae]. The larv[ae] are commonly confounded with moths.

Carpet \Car"pet\ (k[aum]r"p[e^]t), n. [OF. carpite rug, soft of cloth, F. carpette coarse packing cloth, rug (cf. It. carpita rug, blanket), LL. carpeta, carpita, woolly cloths, fr. L. carpere to pluck, to card (wool); cf. Gr. karpo`s fruit, E. Harvest.]

1. A heavy woven or felted fabric, usually of wool, but also of cotton, hemp, straw, etc.; esp. a floor covering made in breadths to be sewed together and nailed to the floor, as distinguished from a rug or mat; originally, also, a wrought cover for tables.

   Tables and beds covered with copes instead of carpets and coverlets.
   --T. Fuller.

2. A smooth soft covering resembling or suggesting a carpet. ``The grassy carpet of this plain.'' --Shak. Carpet beetle or Carpet bug (Zo["o]l.), a small beetle ( Anthrenus scrophulari[ae]), which, in the larval state, does great damage to carpets and other woolen goods; -- also called buffalo bug. Carpet knight.

   1. A knight who enjoys ease and security, or luxury, and has not known the hardships of the field; a hero of the drawing room; an effeminate person.
      --Shak.

   2. One made a knight, for some other than military distinction or service.

      Carpet moth (Zo["o]l.), the larva of an insect which feeds on carpets and other woolen goods. There are several kinds. Some are the larv[ae] of species of Tinea (as Tinea tapetzella); others of beetles, esp. Anthrenus.

      Carpet snake (Zo["o]l.), an Australian snake. See Diamond snake, under Diamond.

      Carpet sweeper, an apparatus or device for sweeping carpets.

      To be on the carpet, to be under consideration; to be the subject of deliberation; to be in sight; -- an expression derived from the use of carpets as table cover.

      Brussels carpet. See under Brussels.

Anthrenus (Anthrenus) scrophulariae, also known as the common carpet beetle, is a species of beetle found in Europe, the Middle East and the Nearctic. In Europe, it is found in almost every country. The beetle may frequently be found on Euphorbia cyparissias.