Carpet Beetle Larva (specifically the Varied Carpet Beetle)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Larvae are typically 4-5 mm in length; shed skins appearing similar in size.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in darker, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, drawers, attics, and around baseboards where dust and hair accumulate. Also found outdoors in bird nests or wasp hives.
Diet & Feeding
Scavengers that feed on natural fibers and keratin-based materials including wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, dead insects, and dried plant products.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer dark, secluded places and are photophobic (avoid light). They molt several times as they grow, leaving behind light brown, translucent, shell-like cast skins (exuviae) which are often the first sign of an infestation.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Major household pests that can cause significant damage to clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens. Their bristly hairs can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (carpet beetle dermatitis) in some people. Benefits: act as nature's decomposers outdoors by recycling dead organic matter.
Identified on: 2/15/2026