Carpet Beetle Larva (likely varied carpet beetle or black carpet beetle)

Scientific Name: Likely Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle)

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae

Size: Larvae typically range from 1 to 5 mm in length.

Carpet Beetle Larva (likely varied carpet beetle or black carpet beetle)

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in areas with natural fibers like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, and stored textiles. They are also found in attics, wall voids, and ducts where organic debris accumulates.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly keratin-containing materials such as wool, fur, feathers, silk, animal hides, and dried animal products. They can also feed on stored food products like grains and pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are known to scavenge on organic matter that accumulates in these spaces. Adult carpet beetles are often found near windows or light sources as they are attracted to light.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Significant pests of stored products and natural fibers, causing damage to textiles, clothing, and museum specimens. They are not known to bite humans or transmit diseases. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead animal remains.