Carpet Beetle Larva (most likely a Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle larva)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (Varied Carpet Beetle) or Attagenus unicolor (Black Carpet Beetle) - exact species cannot be determined from this image
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm in length for larvae.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas, closets, beneath furniture, in cracks and crevices, feeding on organic materials. Outdoors, in animal nests, dead insects, or dried plant matter.
Diet & Feeding
Keratin-containing materials such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, and dried animal products. They also feed on dead insects, pet food, and sometimes plant-based materials like grains.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are the damaging stage, eating continuously and preferring dark, undisturbed areas. They molt several times, leaving behind shed skins. Adults are typically attracted to light and feed on pollen and nectar outdoors, but can lay eggs indoors.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to textiles, clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture, and museum specimens made from animal products. Can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals due to their bristly hairs. Benefits: In nature, they are detritivores, helping to break down organic matter like animal carcasses and insect remains.
Identified on: 11/3/2025