
Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)
Attagenus unicolor
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Typically 3 mm to 5 mm (around 1/8 to 3/16 inch)
Natural Habitat
Typically found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, behind baseboards, under carpets, or inside upholstered furniture; often associated with natural fibers like wool, silk, or fur.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on keratin-rich natural materials including wool, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and pet food; Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows; Larvae (which cause the actual damage) are photophobic and prefer dark corners, feeding on natural fibers for several months before pupating.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: The larvae are significant household pests that damage carpets, clothing, and upholstered furniture; exposure to larval hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis). Benefits: In nature, they act as general scavengers.