A Beetle Ate My Homework!!!

bugman

July 4th, 2005 at 12:00 am

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paper mache—pantry beetle?
Hi there Mr.Bug man!
I am so intrigued by your website! I only wish I knew about it six months ago when we took down a paper mache tree I made for my son’s room. A few years ago, I created a three dimensional tree on his wall using school-type brown paper towels and a paste of flour and water. My masterpiece looked even more life-like within a couple years when it became the home for thousands of teeeeny-tiny little brown beetles. I never imagined it was the paper mache tree that continually lured these little guys into his room each summer until we finally noticed pin holes throughout. YUCK! Based on your description and photos of the pantry beetle, it would be my guess. What do you think?
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Sincerely creeped out,
Melissa Hiller
Jackson, MI

Hi Melissa,
You are so correct. They have eaten our papier mache diorama projects in the past.

Tortoise Beetle Larva (July 8, 2004)
Membracid Tree Hopper Nymph (May 10, 2006)
Harlequin Flower Beetle (June 12, 2007)
Iron Cross Blister Beetle falls into swimming pool (April 19, 2009)
Reddish Brown Stag Beetle (July 13, 2009)