Carpet Beetle (likely Varied Carpet Beetle or Black Carpet Beetle)
Varied Carpet Beetle: Anthrenus verbasci; Black Carpet Beetle: Attagenus unicolor (identification is difficult from image alone, but these are common species)
- Order & Family
- Order: Coleoptera, Family: Dermestidae
- Size
- Adults typically 2-5 mm in length. Larvae can be up to 5-6 mm.
Natural Habitat
Indoors: Carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, clothing, stored food, attics, museums, animal taxidermy. Outdoors: Flowers, bird nests, animal carcasses.
Diet & Feeding
Larvae: Keratin-containing substances such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, leather, pet hair, dried food products, stored grains. Adults: Pollen and nectar.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae of carpet beetles feed on natural fibers and animal products. Adults are typically found outdoors and feed on pollen and nectar. They undergo complete metamorphosis.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant damage to natural fiber products and stored goods in homes, museums, and warehouses. Can sometimes cause allergic reactions (dermatitis) in sensitive individuals due to larval hairs. Benefits: In nature, they play a role in decomposition by feeding on dead animal matter.