What's Eating Your Collection?

larva

Size: 1-5mm

Shape: Flattened oval

Colour: Gingery brown

Antennae: Not visible

Distinguishing features: Bands of hairs on each segment and round the head and rear. These hairs are flattened when seen under the microscope. When live, they curl rather like woodlice.  

Larvae are pests of:Natural history collections and also feed on dead insects

Damage: Grazing and frass

Very rare in the UK but is an important pest in parts of the USA.