Bug Identifier
Likely adult carpet beetle (varied carpet beetle)
Community identification

Likely adult carpet beetle (varied carpet beetle)

Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family
Coleoptera; Dermestidae
Size
Adults are about 2–3.5 mm long; larvae are up to about 4–5 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Homes, especially closets, carpets, upholstered furniture, window areas, and stored textiles. Adults may occur outdoors on flowers and enter buildings through windows.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed mainly on pollen and nectar. Larvae consume keratin-rich materials such as wool, fur, feathers, dead insects, and natural-fiber textiles.

Behavior Patterns

Adults are small, oval, and often mottled; larvae are hairy and avoid light. Larvae—not adults—cause most household damage, and infestations often develop unnoticed in lint, pet hair, or stored fabrics.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting, but larval hairs can irritate skin and airways, and larvae can damage clothing and furnishings. Outdoors, adults contribute to pollination and decomposition.