Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name: Dermestes lardarius (Larder Beetle) or Anthrenus scrophulariae (Common Carpet Beetle) or similar species within Dermestidae, difficult to specify exact species from image.
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
Size: Typically 2-5 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Indoors, they are commonly found in homes, museums, and warehouses, infesting carpets, upholstered furniture, clothing, and stored food products. Outdoors, they can be found in bird nests, animal carcasses, and insect nests.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae feed on natural fibers like wool, silk, animal hair, leather, and feathers. Adults primarily feed on pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Carpet beetles often lay their eggs in secluded places like floor cracks, under furniture, or in air ducts. Larvae are typically the destructive stage, feeding on natural fibers. Adults are attracted to light and often found near windows.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber products like carpets, clothing, and museum specimens. Some people may experience skin irritation (dermatitis) from contact with larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter.
Identified on: 6/28/2025