Carpet Beetle Larvae (likely Black Carpet Beetle or Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle) or Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) - specific species cannot be definitively identified from image alone.
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: Larvae typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, behind baseboards, and in attics. They are attracted to natural fibers and animal products.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-based materials (e.g., wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, hair), museum specimens (taxidermy, pinned insects), dried foods, dead insects, stored products, and occasionally synthetic fibers when soiled.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are the damaging stage, feeding continuously. They are often found in groups. Adults are typically outdoor insects, feeding on pollen and nectar, but lay eggs indoors. The larvae are slow-moving and often retreat when disturbed. They undergo several molts, shedding their skin, which can sometimes be found near their feeding sites.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, museum collections, and stored food products, leading to economic losses. They do not bite or transmit diseases to humans. Benefits are minimal in an indoor setting, but in nature, dermestid beetles can act as scavengers, helping to break down organic matter.
Identified on: 9/4/2025