Carpet Beetle

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (most common species)

Order & Family: Order Coleoptera; Family Dermestidae

Size: 1.7 mm to 3.5 mm (approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch)

Carpet Beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors in homes, warehouses, and museums; outdoors in bird nests or on flowering plants.

Diet & Feeding

Adults eat pollen and nectar; larvae feed on animal products like wool, fur, feathers, silk, and dry food products.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, secluded areas like under baseboards or in closets. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Larvae are household pests that damage natural textiles and upholstery. Some people have allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) to larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they help decompose hair and feathers.

Identified on: 3/15/2026