Carpet Beetle Larva
Anthrenus verbasci (likely, Varied Carpet Beetle)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- Typically 3 mm to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically in carpets, closets, drawers, and under furniture where dust and fibers accumulate. Outdoors, they are found in bird or insect nests.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, fur, silk, leather, feathers, and dead insects. They may also eat dried plant products and pet hair.
Behavior Patterns
The larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They move slowly and may curl up if disturbed. As they grow, they shed their skins (molt), leaving behind empty, hairy husks. The adult beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that can cause damage to clothing, carpets, furniture, and museum specimens. Their prickly hairs (setae) can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as scavengers/decomposers of dead organic matter.