Carpet Beetle Larva

Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Dermestidae

Size: 4 mm to 5 mm (0.16 to 0.20 inches) in length

Carpet Beetle Larva

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in carpets, upholstery, closets, and air ducts where organic debris accumulates.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and lint, as well as dried pet food or dead insects.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are scavenging pests that move slowly and avoid light. They go through multiple molts and can live for several months before pupating.

Risks & Benefits

Risk: They are nuisance pests that damage household fabrics and can cause allergic skin reactions (dermatitis) in humans due to their tiny larval hairs. No known ecosystem benefits in indoor environments.

Identified on: 6/3/2026