Common Carpet Beetle (larva)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus scrophulariae
Order & Family: Coleoptera: Dermestidae
Size: Larvae are typically 4mm to 5mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in carpets, closets, behind baseboards, and in bird or rodent nests.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on animal-based materials including wool, fur, feathers, silk, hair, and dried skin.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light (negatively phototactic); they undergo several molts, leaving behind characteristic hairy cast skins.
Risks & Benefits
Can cause significant damage to household textiles and upholstery; their hairs may cause allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Identified on: 6/3/2026