Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle larva)

Scientific Name: Likely Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), given the common indoor presence and appearance.

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: Larvae (pictured) typically range from 1-5 mm (.04 - .2 inches) in length, depending on species and developmental stage. Adults are usually 2-5 mm in length.

Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle larva)

Natural Habitat

Indoors: Carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, museums (animal specimens), attics, birds' nests (in or around houses), air ducts, areas where lint or pet hair accumulates. Outdoors: Flower gardens (adults), animal nests.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal products and natural fibers including wool, fur, silk, feathers, leather, dried meat, dead insects, pet food, and sometimes synthetic fibers if mixed with natural ones. Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Carpet beetle larvae primarily live in dark, undisturbed areas, feeding on organic materials. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage is the most damaging.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause significant damage to household items, clothing, and museum collections. Some people may develop allergic reactions to the larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by breaking down organic matter.