Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name: There are several species, common ones include Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle), Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle), and Trogoderma variabile (Warehouse Beetle). Without a clearer image of a specimen, a specific species cannot be determined.
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Adults typically range from 2 to 5 mm (0.08 to 0.2 inches) in length. Larvae can be slightly larger, up to 7-8 mm (0.28-0.31 inches).
Natural Habitat
Indoors, they inhabit areas with ample food sources like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, museum collections, and stored food products. Outdoors, adults are found on flowers, particularly those of Spiraea and daisies.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on a variety of animal-based products and natural fibers including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet food, dead insects, and fabric blends containing natural fibers. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar from outdoor plants.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetles are known for their larvae, which are the destructive stage. The larvae prefer undisturbed areas and feed on natural fibers, accumulating in dark places like under furniture, in closets, or along baseboards. Adult carpet beetles are attracted to light and are often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larval stage can last from several months to a year depending on conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, and other natural fiber products in homes, museums, and warehouses. While not directly harmful to humans (they don't bite or sting), some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from bristles shed by larvae. Benefits are minimal in a human context, but in nature, dermestid beetles play a role in decomposition, feeding on dead animals and plant matter.
Identified on: 8/11/2025