Hi Stacey The "unknown louse" is a dermestid larva, possibly *Anthrenus*, or *Anthrenocerus*. They usually feed on dried animal skin products or dried insects - in your situation, they could be feeding on the bodies of insects that have come in accidentally, but it would be worth monitoring any exhibits containing hair or feathers. The "unknown 2" is a scuttle fly - family Phoridae. Most species are parasitic, but a few feed in decaying animal or plant materials, and some will eat dead insects. It could just be an accidental visitor. If you get large numbers of them, then there's probably a resident population. Tony
Dr A.G.Irwin 47 The Avenues Norwich Norfolk NR2 3PH England mobile: +44(0)7880707834 phone: +44(0)1603 453524 On Fri, 12 Jun 2020 at 21:34, Stacey Mei Kelly <[email protected]> wrote: > Good afternoon all, > > I've been noticing more and more of the same looking beetle in many > different traps around my institution. From a previous photograph, the > beetle was IDed as Cryptophagidae (fungus beetle). While being present (1-2 > per trap) in quite a few areas (including the galleries), in one particular > section of the building, there were around 15 of them in one trap (this was > in an office). > > I just want to check in and see if this is something I should be concerned > about. Some basic web browsing says that they enjoy decayed habitats with > fungal growth and that they feed on rotting wood, animal fur and feathers. > We do have galleries with wooden sculptures, masks and headdresses with > plant fibers. > > In addition, I also found 2 other insects that I have not been able to > identify. > > I appreciate all your help and expertise. > > Thanks! > Stacey Kelly > Conservator > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "MuseumPests" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/CAM61Uwgd5%2ByOPi7UP_2QfKnJ6t%3DgXNcXgum__RT2s%3DydLv_%2BFg%40mail.gmail.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/CAM61Uwgd5%2ByOPi7UP_2QfKnJ6t%3DgXNcXgum__RT2s%3DydLv_%2BFg%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MuseumPests" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/pestlist/CAFWqZKNKercSg2H2hX3O5ne01UnNfsOudzFcX0bq5sb9eZ%2BFRg%40mail.gmail.com.
