Carpet beetle
Anthrenus (most likely, given appearance and common pinning in collections)
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera, Dermestidae
- Size
- 1-5 mm (typically small, round or oval)
Natural Habitat
Indoors in homes, museums, and warehouses; outdoors in bird nests, animal carcasses, and dried flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a wide variety of dried animal and plant products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, museum specimens, and pantry items. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. They are known for damaging natural fibers. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Significant pests of stored products, textiles, and museum collections, causing damage to valuable items. They do not bite or sting humans, but some people may experience allergic reactions to their hairs. Benefits: In natural environments, they play a role in decomposition, especially consuming dried organic matter.