Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name: Dermestidae (various species, e.g., Anthrenus verbasci, Attagenus unicolor)
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically range from 2mm to 5mm (.08 to .2 inches) in length. Larvae can be slightly larger, up to 6mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, carpet beetles are found in carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and anywhere organic materials such as wool, fur, or pet hair accumulate. Outdoors, adults can be found on flowering plants.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and pet hair. They can also consume stored food products like dry pet food, cereals, and spices. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetles often lay eggs in dark, undisturbed areas where larval food sources are abundant. Larvae are the damaging stage, feeding on natural fibers and animal products. Adults feed on pollen and nectar and are generally found outdoors or near windows. They are known for their ability to digest keratin.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include damage to clothing, carpets, furniture, and museum specimens made of natural fibers. They do not bite humans but can cause allergic reactions in some individuals from shed hairs. They can be beneficial in decomposing dead animal matter in nature.
Identified on: 8/10/2025