Carpet Beetle (likely Black Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Attagenus unicolor (if Black Carpet Beetle, other species exist)
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: 2-5 mm
Natural Habitat
Indoors: carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, storage areas. Outdoors: nests of birds, rodents, and insects, flowers.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers containing keratin: wool, silk, animal hair, leather, feathers, lint, dead insects, pet food. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae of carpet beetles feed on natural fibers in dark, undisturbed areas. Adults are typically found near windows or flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber products. Larval hairs can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Benefits: Adults can contribute to pollination. Larvae act as scavengers, breaking down organic matter in natural environments.
Identified on: 9/2/2025