Carpet Beetle Larva (likely Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
Size: 3-5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in carpets, closets, drawers, and near baseboards; also found outdoors in bird nests or bee hives.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and dead insects; adults feed on pollen.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas and can remain in the larval stage for over a year depending on food supply; adults are attracted to light and are often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or spread disease, but the larvae can cause causing significant damage to fabrics, clothing, and carpets; the prickly hairs on the larvae can cause dermatitis or allergic reactions in some humans.
Identified on: 2/27/2026