Carpet beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in areas with undisturbed natural fibers like carpets, rugs, woolen items, taxidermy, stored foods, and lint accumulations. Can also be found outdoors in nests of birds or insects.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, animal carcasses, and stored food products. Adult beetles feed on flower pollen and nectar outdoors.

Behavior Patterns

The larval stage is the destructive stage, feeding on natural fibers and organic materials. Larvae are often hairy and brownish. Adults are small, oval-shaped beetles that are attracted to light and may be found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult). Females lay eggs on suitable food sources.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and stored goods made of natural fibers. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits are minimal in household settings, but in nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on carrion and dried organic matter.

Identified on: 9/25/2025