Carpet beetle

Natural Habitat

Indoors, especially in undisturbed areas like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, closets, attics, and museum collections. They prefer dark, hidden places.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae feed on natural fibers such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, and dried animal products (e.g., dead insects, pet food). Adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Behavior Patterns

Larvae are the damaging stage, often found in hidden areas. They move slowly and tend to curl up when disturbed. Adults are winged and can fly, often found near windows as they are attracted to light, or outdoors on flowers. They undergo complete metamorphosis.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Considered a household pest due to larvae damaging textiles, carpets, clothing, and museum specimens. Can cause allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals due to their shed skins and bristles. Benefits: In nature, they play a role as scavengers, breaking down organic matter, but their presence indoors is generally undesirable.

Identified on: 9/6/2025