One of several genera of carpet beetles, Anthrenus was historically placed in a subfamily Anthreninae, though presently included in the Megatominae.

Many have a delicate pattern, with a dark body covered in colorful scales of various brown, tan, red, whitish and grey hues.

These scales rub off easily and old individuals are often partially devoid of them, showing the shining black elytra.

A considerable number of subspecies and varieties have been named, but it is questionable whether these are all valid or simply refer to such age-related differences.

[2] Most species are harmless pollen-eaters, with the long-haired larvae feeding on a wide range of dead animal or plant matter making them important decomposers.