Carpet Beetle Larva
Anthrenus verbasci (specifically the Varied Carpet Beetle)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- Typically 4-5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas like closets, attics, under rugs, inside upholstered furniture, and air ducts. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and bee hives.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers and organic materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
They prefer dark, secluded places and move slowly. When disturbed, they may curl up. They undergo complete metamorphosis, with the larval stage being the most destructive phase lasting up to a year or more.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Major household pest; larvae damage clothing, carpets, and furniture. Their shedding hairs (setae) can cause allergic skin reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: In nature, they act as decomposers by breaking down dead animal matter.