Carpet beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Family: Dermestidae (likely Attagenus unicolor or other Dermestidae species given the image clarity)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically 2-5 mm (0.08-0.2 inches); larvae can be up to 5-6 mm (0.2-0.24 inches)
Natural Habitat
Indoors, larvae are found in dark, undisturbed areas like under carpets, in closets, ventilation ducts, and behind baseboards. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal nests, and around flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, feathers, leather, furs, pet hair, dried meats, museum specimens, and pantry items. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetle larvae stay hidden in dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on organic materials. The adult beetles are attracted to light and often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to household goods and stored products containing animal fibers. They are considered household pests. Benefits: Outdoors, they play a minor role as scavengers.
Identified on: 8/29/2025