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

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