Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (associated with the Varied Carpet Beetle)

Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles) family Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)

Size: Typically 4 to 5 mm (around 1/8 to 1/4 inch) in length.

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Commonly found indoors in homes, specifically in carpets, closets, drawers, and near baseboards; in nature, found in bird nests or bee hives.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on natural fibers and organic materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and dried pet food.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae prefer dark, undisturbed areas; they are slow-moving and often characterized by their hairy or bristly appearance. They go through several molts before pupating.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to human health (they do not bite), but the bristly hairs can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in some people. They are a significant pest that can damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery.

Identified on: 2/25/2026