Carpet Beetle Larva
Scientific Name: Anthrenus verbasci (often specifically the Varied Carpet Beetle larva)
Order & Family: Coleoptera (Beetles) | Dermestidae (Skin Beetles)
Size: Typically 3 to 5 mm (0.12 to 0.20 inches) in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found indoors in dark, undisturbed areas such as under carpets, in closets, drawer cracks, and around baseboards where lint accumulates. Outdoors, they inhabit bird nests and feed on pollen.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural animal fibers like wool, silk, fur, feathers, and leather, as well as dried food products, dead insects, and pet hair.
Behavior Patterns
The larval stage is destructive and moves slowly, shying away from light. They undergo several molts before pupating. Adults are attracted to light and are often found on window sills.
Risks & Benefits
They pose no direct health threat to humans (they do not bite), but the bristly hairs on the larvae can cause an allergic skin reaction called 'carpet beetle dermatitis' in some people. Their primary risk is economic, as they damage clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
Identified on: 3/1/2026