Carpet Beetle Larva (specifically Varied Carpet Beetle Larva)
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (larval stage)
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles), Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)
Size: Typically 3mm to 5mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under rugs, in closets, behind furniture, and in air ducts, as well as outdoors in bird nests.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds on natural fibers and organic matter containing keratin, including wool, silk, fur, feathers, hair, dead insects, and dried pet food.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae prefer dark, secluded places and are famously 'hairy' or bristly in appearance. They move slowly and will molt several times before pupating into small, round adult beetles.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no direct health threat (they do not bite), but they are serious household pests that can damage clothing, carpets, upholstery, and museum specimens. Some people may develop contact dermatitis from the larval hairs.
Identified on: 3/9/2026