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

Natural Habitat

Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses where textiles, stored food products, or dead insects are present. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on a wide variety of animal and plant products, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, dead insects, pet food, and stored grains. Adults typically feed on pollen and nectar from outdoor plants.

Behavior Patterns

Dermestid beetles, especially carpet beetles, are often found in dark, undisturbed areas. Larvae are typically responsible for damage to natural fibers. Adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include damage to fabrics, carpets, clothing, furs, and stored food products, leading to economic loss. They can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to larval hairs. They are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Benefits include their role as scavengers in nature, breaking down organic matter.

Identified on: 8/29/2025