
Community identification
Carpet Beetle Larva
Anthrenus verbasci (typically)
- Order & Family
- Order Coleoptera, Family Dermestidae
- Size
- 4 mm to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in homes, specifically in carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, and baseboards where natural fibers or dust accumulate.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on organic materials including wool, fur, feathers, silk, dead insects, hair, and leather.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas. They are slow-moving and go through several molts, leaving behind translucent brown skins that are a common sign of infestation.
Risks & Benefits
They are significant household pests that can damage clothing and textiles. While they do not bite, the hairs on the larvae can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.