Carpet beetle larva (likely varied carpet beetle)
Anthrenus verbasci
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera; Dermestidae
- Size
- Larvae are typically 2–4 mm long when young and up to about 4–5 mm mature; adults are about 1.5–3 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors in carpets, upholstered furniture, closets, and undisturbed fabric or lint. Outdoors, adults occur on flowers and in bird or rodent nests.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat keratin-rich animal materials, including wool, fur, feathers, shed skin, and dead insects, and may damage natural-fiber textiles. Adults mainly feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae are slow-moving, hairy, and often hide in dark, undisturbed areas; they molt repeatedly and may leave shed skins. Adults are active fliers and enter homes through windows or transported items.
Risks & Benefits
Larvae can damage clothing, carpets, and museum specimens; their hairs and cast skins may irritate skin or airways in sensitive people. They also recycle dead organic matter, while adults pollinate flowers.