
Community identification
Carpet Beetle Larva
Anthrenus verbasci (typically)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- 1mm to 4mm in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts where organic debris accumulates.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and keratin-rich debris such as hair or dead skin cells.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are slow-moving and avoid light (negatively phototactic). They undergo several molts before pupating into adult beetles, often leaving behind translucent shed skins.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include damage to household textiles and clothing. Some individuals may experience 'carpet beetle dermatitis,' an itchy allergic reaction caused by contact with the larva's tiny irritating hairs (setae).