anthrenus, n. [NL., fr. Gr. 'anqrh`nh a hornet.].
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 scrophulariæ. The larvæ are commonly confounded with moths. [1913 Webster]